FORT GORDON, Ga. (Jan.29, 2016) - This year marks the 51st anniversary of the Vietnam War, and for some local veterans, it is the first year they have been formally welcomed home.
Dozens of local Vietnam veterans received praise for their military service during Georgia Governor's Vietnam War Honor Certificate and Department of Defense Appreciation Recognition Ceremony. The ceremony was held in downtown Augusta on Jan. 21, and featured Maj. Gen. John W. Baker, 7th Signal Command commanding general as guest speaker.
The ceremony and certificate program were introduced by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal last year as part of the state's "ongoing efforts to recognize Vietnam veterans during the 50th anniversary of the war."
According to the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, Georgia is home to more than 234,000 Vietnam War veterans. Among them are participants in last week's ceremony.
Jim Thouvenot, chairman of "Vietnam Vets to D.C. 2012," and his fellow veterans sponsored the event and prepared 116 certificates on behalf of Deal.
Standing before a packed room of veterans, he delivered a resounding, "Welcome home!"
Former mayor of Augusta, Bob Young, was master of ceremonies for the event. Young served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.
He continued serving in many other capacities, to include a presidential appointment by George W. Bush. Like many Vietnam veterans, he went on to lead a productive life despite being shunned during one of the most pivotal times in history.
"Somewhere along the way, the winds of dissention and distrust for that war also enveloped the warrior, and that was very unfortunate, because America had never treated its Soldiers that way before," Young said. "Institutions -- people -- are actively working to ensure that never happens again."
Representing the Georgia Department of Veterans Service Board, former Signal Regiment Command Sgt. Maj. James K. Hussey Jr. spoke from his experience having served four tours in Vietnam.
"We were forgotten, ignored, and many times ridiculed," Hussey said. "You were even told not to wear a uniform if you returned home, if you remember."
It took decades, but the nation has learned from its mistakes, as Hussey experienced firsthand during his 30-year career.
"Now as a nation, we treat those in uniform with respect and gratitude," he said.
For Baker, the ceremony was one way to pay homage to a generation of veterans he did not serve alongside in battle, but to one whom he has great respect for.
"You never turned your back on America when you came home," Baker said. "I know the wounds of war are slow to heal, and we veterans know this more than most, but I think today we take another step in this direction."
Following Baker's remarks, Vietnam veterans were called out by name, presented with a certificate and commemorative pin, and then individually thanked by Baker and other Soldiers in attendance.
It was a simple yet profound expression of appreciation for Forrest Crutfield, of Thompson, who served two tours in Vietnam and retired from the Army as a first sergeant.
"It made me feel outstanding, wonderful, very good," Crutfield said.
Reflecting on his service, Crutfield said he has no regrets.
"I'm proud of every minute of it."
"These veterans have waited a very long time to be recognized and honored for their service," Thouvenot said. "These ceremonies of appreciation help many for the first time gain some peace of mind as they share this with others who have similar experiences."
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