TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Vietnam Veterans of America, Tucson Chapter 106 held a ceremony Friday morning, paying tribute to the dedication of Vietnam War veterans.
March 29th, 1973. That’s the day the last combat troops departed from Vietnam.
The war became very unpopular as it progressed.
With no victory, there were no parades, no honor, no warm welcome.
Melvin “Butch” Morgan served in Vietnam in the mid-60s.
He’s now the president of Tucson’s Vietnam Veterans Affairs Chapter 106.
“It was a lot different many years ago when I came home,” said Morgan.
Fifty years later, things have changed.
Butch tells me they have a faux plaque of the 107 men killed in Vietnam from Tucson.
But it will soon more closely resemble the memorial in Washington D.C.
“Being able to honor these K.I.A.’s that were killed in Vietnam from Tucson and Pima County is quite an honor to be done," said Morgan. "To dedicate a place for them to be remembered.”
Ruben M. Moreno serves in the Marine Corps Color Guard and played taps at today’s ceremony.
His father, Ruben L. Moreno, served in the Korean War and returned to a society where PTSD didn’t exist.
“All of the individuals from the United States who’ve come to serve our country deserve that respect ‘cause they did what others are afraid to do,” said Moreno.
Moreno described the times his father’s screams echoed inside their home from having nightmares.
His father eventually found an escape through oil painting and playing music to cope, passing that along to his children.
“And I wish that for all veterans," Moreno said. "All marines past and present to be able to find an outlet to where they can live in peace with what they had to do to serve this country.”
As we wrap up this day of remembrance, let us carry the gratitude we feel for our Vietnam War Veterans in our hearts, honoring their service and sacrifices.
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Jacqueline Aguilar is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9. Born and raised in Yuma, AZ., she is no stranger to the unforgiving Arizona heat. Now this U of A wildcat is excited to be back in Tucson and is looking forward to involving herself in the community. Share your story ideas with Jacqueline by emailing jacqueline.aguilar@kgun9.com or connecting on Facebook, Instagram or X.
