"10 Years Late", was the headline covering the 1985 parade in New York City. But as these authors and Tom Stack saw it, this parade really was the preface for 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, this parade grew to a massive Chicago marching crowd of Vietnam Veterans with estimates ranging from 176,000 to more than 200,000. The inspiration for this was born in New York City. The innovation however was the brainchild of Tom Stack; the execution was the combined effort of so many other leaders and volunteers ranging from book co-author and parade leader and organizer Roger Mc Gill to volunteer and co-author Harry Beyne to countless other volunteers. Every effort was made to name so many of these individuals, yet it was not possible to name 176,000 veterans who had among their ranks so many who contributed. To those not named, you are not forgotten This event could not have happened without you. For Vietnam Veterans, this 1986 parade was their homecoming. Or as Roger Mc Gill said after attending the NYC parade "only with this parade did I truly feel that I had finally returned from Vietnam." Hence the title of this book as his statement was uniformly shared by so many who didn't have the opportunity to come to New York but showed up in force for Chicago. Anyone who has known, loved, honored a Vietnam Veteran understands the pain experienced with their return from war. They were degraded, spat upon, sworn at, and physically abused. Many destroyed their uniforms in shame; others left the country; most refused to talk about the war, their experiences, and their feelings. As a result, so many suffered from physical harm, most suffered from the effects of Agent Orange, and, of course, the silent killer PTSD. Even today, with the average Vietnam Veteran in his or her seventies, many are just now beginning to open up and share with one another. This is a tribute to the efforts of other veterans, their groups, and associations and to many of the dedicated professionals at the Veterans Administration. And there are many. And, yes, there is still a great deal of work to be done. There are veterans who are refusing to get treatment for diseases caused by Agent Orange if they do, and they are improving or in remission there is some bean counter who will decide they no longer need disability. This is an uphill battle. But Veterans are heading up the hill. However, in 1986, they were still at the bottom of the hill. This was just their beginning. This was their Veteran's parade. This was their homecoming. They planned and orchestrated and threw their own party. The good news: the guests poured in. By most counts, more than 500,000 came to celebrate their return, their contributions and to share their appreciation for a job well done. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of those who gave so much and to all of those who planned and contributed to this event.
