Associated Press ^ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans probably will not be seeing a huge ticker-tape parade anytime soon for troops returning from Iraq, and it is not clear if veterans of the nine-year campaign will ever enjoy the grand, flag-waving, red-white-and-blue homecoming that the nation's fighting men and women received after World War II and the Gulf War.
Officials in New York and Washington say they would be happy to help stage a big celebration, but Pentagon officials say they haven't been asked to plan one.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
"They will be well received, nonetheless. At least they will not be subjected to the vilification, marginalization and ostracism I and my fellow Vietnam Vets were subjected to for years after our return from a conflict in which we prevailed on the field in every battle in which we engaged.
I'm sorry to sound so bitter, but it still stings forty years after my return.
To our veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Welcome home my Brothers and Sisters, and thank you for a job well done! You represent all that is good in the United States of America, and have upheld and augmented the traditions of your respective services and the military service at large.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America! "



