Welcome Home

WARREN, Pa. – Welcome home.

It’s a simple phrase, yet one that carries a lot of weight for Vietnam War veterans, many of whom didn’t receive the kindest of greetings upon their return home from service 50 years ago.

On Saturday, the Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua made sure that these veterans received a proper welcome, one that was fit with an escort into Warren, cheered on by well-wishers as they crossed the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

That was followed by a commemoration dinner at the Woman’s Club of Warren.

“They should have done this 50 years ago,” said Amber Renner, fighting back tears.

Renner took her family to “welcome home” the troops, one of several who did so.

Joseph Sigmund, a youngster who stood along the bridge as part of Chief Cornplanter Council’s Pack 6, simply said: “America is awesome.”

Skyla Govier, President of Blue Star Mothers Kinzua, certainly agrees, and, along with the other Blue Star Moms of Kinzua, decided to spearhead the event in Warren to honor local Vietnam vets.

“I had read somewhere that they were doing a 50th commemoration program, so I started doing some research into that,” Govier said. “When I saw what it involved, I wanted to do this for Vietnam veterans, who deserve this so much.”

The escort was followed by the dinner, which featured several dignitaries who spoke, as well as speakers from the Blue Star Mothers.

Among those in attendance were Senator Scott Hutchinson, Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, State Representative Kathy Rapp, and City of Warren Mayor David Wortman, a veteran himself.

“Our nation, the state of Pennsylvania, and Warren County is forever in your debt,” Wortman said. “Today, we celebrate the selfless service of you.”

That gratitude was a common theme among everyone in attendance.

“I was a Blue Star Mother,” Rapp said. “I’m aware of what families go through when you have a child serving. All of you here are here together today because you share a very special bond. You served your nation with honor.”

Many of those who came home were met with vitriol, part of a nation divided over the war in Vietnam. Long overdue or not, all involved were happy to be a part of Saturday’s event.

“I was only five when it was over, so I didn’t really know that (the division) until I really started talking to Vietnam veterans,” Govier said. “My stepdad is here today from Warren, and he’s a Vietnam veteran. He never really talked about it, and then when he did, I really learned about them not being welcomed. I feel that being able to honor them in any small way just makes me feel good that we can do that for them.”

Hutchinson expressed his thanks to the Blue Star Mothers who were able to make the event possible.

“When it finally ended and they came home, there were no parades, no honors, they just came home to a divided nation with little gratitude and unfortunately downright animosity,” Hutchinson said. “Thank you for making this possible.”

There was playing of taps by Tyler Johnson before Thompson delivered the final remarks of the day.

“I know it’s music, but it’s like a prayer,” Thompson said.

Thompson then addressed the veterans in attendance.

“Each of you knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice,” he said. “Thank you and thank you to your family members for your service.”

Following Thompson’s remarks, lapel pins were presented to each of the veterans in attendance.

Veteran James R. Jameson, who served in the Army, offered some words of thanks.

“I just want to thank everyone involved for putting this on,” Jameson said. “They’ve welcomed us home.”