Scores of East Tennesseans turned out Wednesday night to welcome back veterans who defended the country’s freedoms in three wars, capping an emotional one-day trip to Washington, D.C.
The Central High School band played at McGhee Tyson Airport, greeters waved flags and people old and young stood and cheered as the more than 100 veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam left the HonorAir chartered plane and walked into the concourse.
This flight, No. 19, was the first in which HonorAir carried those who took part in the Vietnam War, adding a poignant note to the trip.
After a morning takeoff from Knoxville, the veterans took in a full day of sightseeing in Washington, including stops at the monuments that honor their service. They also received thanks from politicians including Sen. Bob Corker of Chattanooga.
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HonorAir volunteer Susan Burkhart said she wouldn’t miss a homecoming ceremony for the world. She and dozens others worked for hours setting up the decorations for the welcome home ceremony.
The Reverend Ross Licata is a Vietnam War veteran who came out to show his support. He’s glad the service of Vietnam vets is now being recognized in the program.
“I think they’re finally getting the honor that they needed to get a long, long time ago. It’s very overdue.”
He and Hilda Presley, whose husband was on Wednesday’s flight, said Vietnam vets were denied the welcome home they deserved in the 1960s and 1970s.
“They didn’t particularly, weren’t treated as well, the Vietnam veterans, because it’s a war I think most of us didn’t understand,” Presley said.
Her husband, Pete Presley, received a Purple Heart for a shrapnel injury in Vietnam.
“He’s proud to be here because he didn’t come home in a flag-draped coffin.”
Wanda Julian’s husband served in Vietnam as well, but hers is a different story.
“We were married, and we were together two weeks when he was deployed, and then 5 1/2 months later, he was killed on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1969.”
The plane left Washington’s Reagan National Airport about 6:40 p.m., heading back to Knoxville.
