Patriot’s Point holds ceremony in honor of National Vietnam Veteran’s Day

MOUNT PLEASANT S.C. (WCBD)– Friday marked the 51st anniversary of United States troops leaving Vietnam, and veterans in the Lowcountry were honored with a special ceremony at Patriots Point.

Veterans from all branches and of all ranks came together at Patriots Point to reflect on the years since United States troops pulled out of Vietnam.

“I feel wonderful about today being here with all these vets, particularly the Vietnam vets, and what they contributed to the country, what it means to just be in their company, and how blessed we are as a country to have people like that are willing to go in harm’s way for everyone,” said General James E Livingston, a Retired Vietnam Veteran.

Many veterans, like a Medal of Honor recipient retired Marine Corps General James Livingston, have been awarded for their heroic acts while serving in Vietnam, but it wasn’t always that way. One Veteran told News 2 that troops were not welcomed home or celebrated when they returned because of anti-war feelings at home.

“Unlike any other veteran of any other war, perhaps except the Civil War was treated very differently when they came home; they were not honored. There were no parades, and no one met them at the airport. Today, we recognize what the Vietnam veteran is and what the Vietnam veteran was, so it makes us all feel perfect,” said Stoney Bates, A Vietnam Veteran.

Organizers say events like this are essential to remind the veterans that they are appreciated and that their sacrifices matter.

“We have a lot of pride every year in being able to honor our Vietnam veterans and their families and their guests on this day. So, it’s an extraordinary day at patriots point,” said Allison Hunt, the Executive director at Patriots Point.