A poignant and heartfelt welcome home ceremony was held at Ogeechee Area Hospice, honoring Vietnam veterans from the surrounding communities. The event, filled with emotional tributes and personal stories, aimed to provide long-overdue recognition for the sacrifices made by these veterans.
The ceremony, organized by Ogeechee Hospice, the American Legion Post 90, and Georgia Department of Veteran Affairs, brought together veterans, their families, and community members. The atmosphere was one of gratitude and respect, as attendees acknowledged the often-overlooked service of those who served during a tumultuous period in American history.
The master of ceremonies, Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) Nick Spletstoser from Ogeechee Hospice, emphasized the importance of recognizing the nine million heroes who served during the Vietnam War era. He highlighted the significance of March 29th, designated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, citing the day's historical importance in marking the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops and the release of prisoners of war.
A particularly moving segment of the ceremony featured Mi Waters, a family friend of Lt. Col. Splestoser and Cocharan, GA resident, whose family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in the mid-1970s. Waters shared the remarkable story of her father, a Vietnam veteran, and the challenges her family faced during and after the war.
Waters recounted her father's experiences in the South Vietnamese Army, his training as a special forces operative, and the harrowing circumstances that led to his decision to bring his family to America. She highlighted the critical role he played working alongside U.S. military forces, a collaboration that ultimately secured their passage to safety.
"My father worked closely with American officers," Waters explained, "and it was through their intervention and support that we were able to escape the turmoil of the war." She detailed the dangerous journey, the separation from her parents, and the eventual reunion in a refugee camp in Arkansas.
Waters then shared a unique and significant detail: she was the first Vietnamese refugee baby born in the state of Georgia, arriving in January 1976. "My parents were so proud to have an American-born child," she said, emphasizing the hope and opportunity they found in their new home. This detail underscored the profound impact of the veterans' service, not only on their own lives but on the generations that followed.
Waters painted a vivid picture of life during and after the war, the hardships endured, and the resilience displayed by her family. "My father was full of stories," Waters shared, emphasizing the importance of listening to and preserving veterans' narratives. She spoke of her father's dedication to hard work, education, and the opportunities afforded by their new life in America.
Her story resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the personal cost of war and the enduring strength of the human spirit. "This is the land of the free and the home of the brave," Waters concluded, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by all Vietnam veterans.
The event concluded with a pinning ceremony for each Veteran who attended by Ogeechee Area Hospice's Executive Director, Vanessa Ramirez, RN, MSN and Tammy Bacon, GDVS Veterans Services Officer. It also included a pledge to honor the memories of those lost in Vietnam and a renewed dedication to supporting all veterans and their families. The emotional gathering served as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and honoring the service and sacrifices of those who served during the Vietnam War.
