Today, April 30th, marks the 50th anniversary of one of the deadliest conflicts the United States has ever been engaged in. The Vietnam war officially ended on this date 50 years ago, in 1973. The war was not a popular one and upon return to the United States, many veterans of the war were not treated well, at times being spit on and called baby killers and other terrible names and many found it hard to adjust, once back home. Most of the U. S. troops had been withdrawn by 1972 and the 1973 Paris Peace Accords saw the rest leave, however; accords were broken and fighting continued until the fall of Saigon to the Peoples Army of Vietnam.
However, today, those veterans are looked upon by many Americans as brave and heroic, fighting for democracy in a far away land. Today, in Ottawa, Franklin County Honors will host a tribute to those who fought in a war that cost the lives of over 58,000 American soldiers. The gathering will be held at 6:00 this evening at the Franklin County Veterans Memorial at 4th and Main. It’s a chance to connect, share memories pay tribute and thank those who survived, and remember those who didn’t come home.
