Published: March 25, 2008 06:53 pm         

Vietnam veterans' welcome "long overdue"

Bob Jerkovich is finally wearing his hat that proclaims him a veteran of the Vietnam War.

"Before, there was a stigma we had from serving there," Jerkovich said.

He is a member of the Cumberland County Vietnam Veterans Association, which is sponsoring the 2008 Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home, set for Saturday and Sunday.

"I can't describe my feelings on this," Jerkovich said. "It's so long overdue. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it."

Jerkovich noted he returned from Vietnam in 1965, before political protests in the United States of the war reached a peak.

"I did not get the rash of abuse that others did," Jerkovich said. "But, even then people didn't want to associate with us."

The Vietnam War was the longest military conflict in U.S. history, from 1959 to 1975. The bloody war claimed more than 58,000 American lives, and injured more than 304,000. But the war left scars that went deeper than flesh.

Steve Foster, chaplain for the Cumberland County Vietnam Veterans Association, said, "When we came home, we let it slide. A lot of the guys held a lot inside, and this is a way to let it lose 30 to 40 years later, and let these people be free. There's a lot of hurting souls and this will give them time to breathe."

Main St. from Interstate 40 south to Davis Rd. is lined with flags to welcome the veterans and their families. Dann Dunham, one of the event organizers, said 108 flags were being put on display.

"It's amazing to travel Main St. and see the flags everywhere," Dunham said.

All are sponsored by area businesses or individuals.

"A lot of the flags are in memory of veterans, both living and deceased," Dunham explained. "And one is still MIA (missing in action) sponsored by Terry's 19th Hole."

Chip Kithcart is not a Vietnam veteran, though he tried to enlist at that time. "I've long wanted this for these guys. They were treated terrible. They are the only generation that was spit on when they came home. I want to help thank them for their service."

And while Vietnam veterans will be honored, the event is for veterans of all wars and soldiers currently serving in the military. It's also for nonveterans.

"I don't think anyone in this generation was not affected, whether they were there or not," said Ret. Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Mike Knappen, USMC. "It doesn't matter what side you were on back then. It's time to come together."

The Welcome Home Celebration will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. with a parade. The motorcycle groups will be escorted from the Community Complex down Main St. beginning at 10 a.m. When the group reaches Livingston Rd. at Main St. Church of Christ, the remainder of the parade entries will join the procession. The parade will travel to Lantana Rd., turn right on West Ave. There, the motorcycles will return to the Community Complex and the remainder of the parade will turn left onto Stanley St., finishing at Cumberland County High School More than 40 entries are registered for the parade, including tanks and military vehicles, and fly overs by Blackhawk helicopters are scheduled, as well.

Sgt. Robert L. Daumiller, one of the most decorated Cumberland County Vietnam veterans, will be the parade marshal. Daumiller was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism.

There are a variety of activities planned throughout the weekend at the Cumberland County Community Complex, with opening ceremonies set for noon Saturday. Francis Edwards, Australian singer and songwriter, and Vietnam veteran, will also be performing. Special music will be provided by Ron Dyer, singing "Welcome Home" and "Thank You." Other musical acts include Sally Burgess, Teri St. Neal, Zach Johnson, Chad Van Rys, Heather Wiggins, Rebecca Jed, Tony Colton, County Line, Jaida, Homeland and Chris Gantry.

The Tennessee Memorial Wall will be on display during the event, as well.

A number of veterans motorcycle groups will be taking part in the event, including Patriot Guard, Combat Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, Legacy, Second Brigade, Rolling Thunder, Christian Motorcycle Association, American Legion Riders, Knights of Columbus, Gold Wing Riders and AMVETS.

Dunham said, "This is something that is long overdue, and I'm happy to be able to help organize this for my brothers and sisters in arms who never got their welcome home.

"I've heard from people all over the country and the world," Dunham said. "I got an e-mail out of left field with the 58,000 names from the Vietnam Wall memorial and it said they all are thanking us for what we're doing here in Crossville, TN. "

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Sunday will include a Sunday service. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Web site at www.ccvietnamvets.com.