By CAROL SUE SALDIVAR
Moapa Valley Progress
“On behalf of a Grateful Nation, we thank you for your service and sacrifice, and welcome you home.”
Those were the words spoken to each Vietnam Veteran as they were presented with long-deserved commemorative “welcome home” lapel pins on Saturday, October 12 at the Mesquite Veterans Center.
A total of 80 lapel pins were presented to area veterans by the Veterans Affairs Peer Support Specialists Geri Hunt and Tony Davis. It was touching and tearful for those receiving the lapel pins, and it was also emotional for those who came to witness the presentations.
Congress started this program in 2016 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, and to thank each Veteran for their service during this time.
Geri Hunt pointed out that many Vietnam veterans didn’t get the hero’s welcome they deserved. Hunt is an 11 year Desert Storm Combat Veteran. She recalled that she and her fellow soldiers came back to parades and recognition after their service in the Middle East. “I got my yellow ribbon, and I got the key to the city and was interviewed on the radio,” she said. “It’s just unfortunate that Vietnam Veterans were not given the same treatment.”
Since the lapel pin program was instituted, Hunt said that she has been active in recognizing Vietnam veterans throughout southern Nevada. “They hold a very special place in my heart,” she said. “They didn’t get always the welcome home they deserved. They deserve that more than anybody.”
Among the recipients was Mesquite Mayor Al Litman. Litman is a U.S. Army Veteran of the “First Air Cav., Artillary,” Bronze Star recipient. “The Vietnam Veterans were ignored for a long time,” Litman said. “We’re aging out, and it’s a proud moment. The fact that it’s here (at the Mesquite Veterans Center) is very important.”
Many of the lapel pin recipients expressed gratitude and humility for being recognized for their service, so many years later.
“Mesquite alone has given me a welcome that many other cities would never do,” said veteran Marvin Edmonson of Mesquite. “I appreciate that very much.”
Mesquite Veterans Center President, Robert Nehilla, who also served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, said that the ceremony adds closure to the rejection that he and many other Vietnam veterans felt on returning home. “The ceremony put tears in my eyes,” Nehilla said. “I thank the folks from the VA for representing, and bringing forward the lapel pins and commemoration of our service in the day.”
