Opposition to the draft increased and trust in the government and military eroded. Protests were generally peaceful, but often became confrontational as the war grew increasingly divisive. As a consequence, incidents of violence increased. In May 1970, four Kent State students were killed when Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire on unarmed anti-war protesters.

Through it all, American men and women continued to serve. For the most part, they traveled to and from Vietnam alone, often finding themselves in active combat one day and home the next. When they arrived, they found themselves the focus of distaste for the unpopular war. Most put their memories of Vietnam aside. They finished school, married, raised families, and became successful members of their communities.

For many, retirement years are marred by health conditions related their service. It is now understood that among the most lethal was exposure to Agent Orange. This was a chemical used to defoliate the Vietnamese countryside, thus exposing enemy positions. According to the Veterans Administration, those who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 were exposed.

Regardless of their feelings about the war, most Vietnam veterans are proud of their service. Many are active in their military unit’s reunion organizations. Here in Atlanta, many volunteer to staff the USO booth at the Atlanta airport. They are determined that every soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsman returns to a heartfelt and deserved “Welcome Home.”