FROM THE DIRECTOR
American soldiers returning home from Vietnam often faced scorn as the war they had fought in became increasingly unpopular. There were no “Welcome Home” Parades for Vietnam Veterans.
The Vietnam War was unlike conflicts with massive demobilizations. The service members mostly served one-year tours and usually came back by themselves rather than with their units or companies. As one person was shipped off to fight, another was coming home, with no fanfare for either.
As the war ground on and became increasingly hopeless, the military personnel came to represent something many Americans would rather not accept … defeat. Vietnam was a "lost" war, and it was the first major war abroad in which the U.S was not victorious. The public perception was, “You don’t have parades for soldiers coming home from a war they didn't win” What was lost on the American people was that these service members were only doing their duty to country. They didn’t want to be there. They didn’t run away, and to them, the lives lost were not in vain.
What I will ask of you is that when you meet a Vietnam Veteran, don’t say, “Thank you for your service,” they don’t want to hear that. When you meet that Vietnam Veteran tell them what they never heard coming back, and it is what they desire to hear; “WELCOME HOME!” Please remember, many of our MIA families have not had the closure of welcoming their family members home. Please think of and pray for them that they someday soon will be able to say “Welcome Home” to their MIA.
With regards to the performance, you will notice that unlike other plays, the lines are not always memorized. In order to remain as true to the stories and reflections, just as with any reunion, the actors will be able to use notes to speak from.
I would be remiss if I did not thank the cast, creative team and their families, including my wife Cory and daughter Andrea. This was an emotional roller-coaster of a ride for all. I also wish to thank the contributors and their willingness to talk to the actors portraying them. Particular thanks to Tom Brokaw for his encouragement and faith throughout the process. Lastly, this play would not have happened without Doc Norton, the acquaintance that became my colleague and one of my closest friends.
Sit back, learn, and pass this history on to friends and family. We cannot let the stories of these heroes disappear.
Cheers,
Harry
