For a group of Vietnam veterans, it was much more.

On April 30, the Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua PA203, hosted some 40 Vietnam veterans. Their smiles and tears were enough to show they finally felt welcomed home.

The event was part of a 50th anniversary commemoration of the Vietnam War.

The participants gathered at Betts Park where “Christy Wills, Blue Star Mothers financial secretary, Chad Wills, a Marine veteran, and Meghan Rowland, a BSM associate” greeted them, according to Kinzua Chapter President Skyla Govier.

Congressman Glenn Thompson thanks Vietnam Veteran Dennis Massa, Sr., and welcomes him home during a Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event held Saturday, April 30, by Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua at the Woman’s Club of Warren.

From there, local Warren County law enforcement officials escorted the procession of veterans into Warren, across the Veterans Memorial Bridge, and to the Woman’s Club of Warren.

Along the route, “The community came out to welcome them home, almost 50 years later,” Govier said. “The smiles and tears were enough to know that our community is an amazing patriotic community.”

Better late than never.

“I had never had anyone outside of a Vietnam Veteran say, ‘Welcome Home,'” Charlie Stafford said. “When driving with the escort, a woman by the houses that were decorated said, ‘Welcome Home.’

It made me want to get out of my truck and hug and thank her. I thought I probably shouldn’t because I didn’t want to hold up traffic. I did almost wreck my truck because of the waterfall coming from my eyes. Thank you.”

When the veterans were all at the Woman’s Club — two bald eagles were seen in the vicinity — and the event started, Stafford and his fellows heard those words again.

Govier said she “opened the speeches with two simple words, ‘Welcome home.'”

Chaplain Lou Nordin. Michelle McMillen, and the Civil Air Patrol opened the event with prayers, Presenting of Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. “Due to unforeseen circumstances we did not have anyone to sing the National Anthem,” Govier said. “Because of this, members led the crowd of Vietnam Veterans, guests and dignitaries in the National Anthem. Every voice was heard and what an amazing moment for us all. Chills and tears were present. A beautiful moment.”

“Sen. Scott Hutchinson, State Rep. Kathy Rapp – a Blue Star Mother herself – and (City of Warren) Mayor Dave Wortman – a veteran as well – were speakers thanking the veterans,” she said. “Congressman Glenn GT Thompson, a Blue Star Father, was the Keynote speaker.”

“Many Blue Star Mothers were among those speaking,” Govier said. “Brenda Saporito, Public Relations, read a poem titled, ‘Welcome Home, It’s Never Too Late.’ Kim Alberts, second vice-president, explained why we chose the centerpieces. Blue Star Mother Pam Nordin’s speech was about the Vietnam War 50th commemoration flag.

“Lou Nordin, Chaplain, spoke on the sad subject of Agent Orange, and Lynette Ristau, first vice-president, spoke on the POW/MIA flag and what it represents and what each symbolism stands for,” she said.

Youth were involved in the event. “Soren Swanson, an 11-year-old young man from Ludlow spoke to our veterans and read a poem he had written,” Govier said. “Soren is also a published author of the book ‘The Only Soldier.’ Soren loves every veteran. He believes that serving your country is the greatest gift anyone can give.”

“Tyler Johnson, high school senior, played a stunning rendition of TAPS after only learning it the Monday before the event,” she said.

Among the event there were many small, but meaningful experiences.

“Forty Veterans along with their guests were in attendance,” Govier said. “Daniel McLaughlin was in attendance. He lost his son, Lt. Col. Michael McLaughlin, in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006 due to a suicide bomber.”

“Rep. Rapp was the sponsor to rename the Tionesta bridge after this hometown hero,” she said. “The bridge has been renamed the Lt. Col Michael McLaughlin/AMVETS Post 113.”

During the event, Rapp stepped up to present the lapel pin to Daniel McLaughlin.

“Christy Wills presented a speech honoring one of our own,” Govier said. “Sally Lord, a fellow Blue Star Mother, lost her father, Larry Larson, just weeks before this event. He was a Vietnam Veteran. Terrie Larson, Larry’s wife, was in attendance.”

Veterans affected by Agent Orange were honored at the event. Many were able to attend. Others were not. The families of Ernest Hoag and Tom Vanguilder received Agent Orange pins. “Ella Card accepted the pin on behalf of her grandfather,” Govier said.

“Your ceremony gave my family some closure for the loss of my father,” Lisa Card said. “The Agent Orange pin and honoring not only my father but all of our local Vietnam veterans for the sacrifices that they made as well as acknowledging the poor welcoming they received when they made it back to U.S soil meant everything.”

“The Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua paired up with the Department of Defense through their Vietnam War 50th Commemoration program,” Govier said. “This program allows a Vietnam Veteran who served between the dates May 1, 1955, and Nov. 15, 1975, regardless of location served, to receive a lapel pin that is allowed to be presented once in a lifetime.”

“Blue Star Mothers also honored them with Vietnam Veteran tiles and buttons for family members,” she said.

“It was amazing the way Blue Star Mothers got such an awesome group of people together for a wonderful welcome home to so many Vietnam vets,” Dennis Ford said. “From the police, to Warren representatives, all the vets, great food, prizes. We met some vets we knew and enjoyed meeting new friends and vets. Thank you all for the Welcome Home.”

“I was at the Grand Ole Opry in 2015 when 14 Big Red 1 veterans were asked to stand for an ovation on the 50th anniversary of our deployment to Vietnam,” Blair Smoulder said. :It was the largest ovation of the night and will never be forgotten. The Blue Star Mothers’ recognition ranks right up there with my experience seven years ago.”

“My wife and I were amazed at the hard work all put in,” Ron Simones said, thanking the Blue Star Mothers and the Woman’s Club. “We had a great time. All of it was much more than they expected. Thank you to all involved.”

“Thanks for a great day,” Bruce Lallier of Conneaut Lake said. “Class all the way.”

Govier’s step-father Jerry Brewer (USAF retired) summed up the event, “There were smiles on all the veterans’ faces at the end of the ceremony… mission accomplished.”

“To all the Vietnam veterans, what an honor it was for us on Saturday to welcome you home,” Saporito said. “Many blessings and love to you and your families. We thank you for your service and sacrifices for our great nation — ‘The land of the free because of the brave.'”

“These veterans deserve so much more than this event,” Govier said. “They deserve recognition, respect, honor, our apologies and simply, ‘Thank You.'”