The Day We Finally Came Back from Vietnam

The Day We Finally Came Back from Vietnam by Roger A. McGill and Harold F Beyne III captures a pivotal moment in history. The headline "10 Years Late" marked the 1985 parade in New York City. However, the authors and Tom Stack saw this as merely the prelude to the main event: the Chicago WELCOME HOME Vietnam Veterans parade on Friday, June 13, 1986.

From a parade of 25,000 veterans in New York, the spectacle expanded to a massive Chicago gathering of Vietnam Veterans, with estimates ranging from 176,000 to over 200,000 participants. The inspiration sprouted in New York City, yet the innovation was the brainchild of Tom Stack. The execution was a collaborative effort by numerous leaders and volunteers, including co-author and parade leader Roger McGill and volunteer co-author Harry Beyne, alongside countless others. Although it was impossible to name all 176,000 veterans who contributed, the event's success could not have happened without each of them.

For Vietnam Veterans, the 1986 parade symbolized their homecoming. As Roger McGill expressed after attending the NYC parade, “only with this parade did I truly feel that I had finally returned from Vietnam.” This sentiment was shared by many who couldn’t attend in New York but came in force for Chicago.

Anyone who has known, loved, or honoured a Vietnam Veteran understands the anguish experienced upon returning from war. They endured degradation, being spat upon, sworn at, and physically abused. Many destroyed their uniforms in shame; others left the country; most refused to discuss the war, their experiences, or their feelings. Consequently, many suffered physical harm, the effects of Agent Orange, and the silent killer PTSD. Even today, as the average Vietnam Veteran reaches their seventies, many are just beginning to open up and share with one another.

This change is a tribute to the efforts of other veterans, their groups, associations, and the dedicated professionals at the Veterans Administration. There is still much work to be done. Some veterans refuse treatment for diseases caused by Agent Orange out of fear that improvements might jeopardize their disability status. This remains an uphill battle, but veterans are determined to overcome it.

In 1986, they were still at the base of the hill. This parade was just their beginning, their homecoming. They organised and orchestrated their celebration, and the response was overwhelming. By most counts, more than 500,000 attendees came to celebrate their return, appreciate their contributions, and share gratitude for a job well done.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all who sacrificed so much and to everyone who planned and contributed to this historic event.