MITCHELL — The welcome for veterans of the Vietnam War and its era was warm at the VFW Post 2750 in downtown Mitchell Saturday afternoon.

There were smiles, laughter and conversation percolating around the recently-renovated upstairs meeting room of the historic building. A hearty lunch was prepared and passed out as veterans and their spouses made their way through the serving line before they settled into seats and chatter as they mingled with their fellow servicemen.

But it wasn’t always that way for those who served during the era. And Rep. Dusty Johnson said the people of the United States still owe those who sacrificed for their country in those days a debt of gratitude.

“You all know that America is the greatest country that has ever been, but it is not perfect,” Johnson told the assembled veterans at the South Dakota Vietnam Veterans and Era Reunion luncheon. “If you need evidence of that imperfection I think we can look toward how we welcomed home the people who served in uniform in the 1960s and 1970s.”

Erik Kaufman / Mitchell Republic

Johnson was referring

to the treatment soldiers of the era,

particularly those who served during the Vietnam War, who were often ostracized for their participation in what had become a very unpopular war in its day. In stark contrast to the servicemen who returned from service to celebratory parades or spontaneous rounds of applause at airports, Vietnam veterans were sometimes spit on. Sometimes they were assaulted by those protesting the war.

The attitude toward the Vietnam War and members of the military who served there has changed considerably over the years, Johnson said, but the public should not forget how poorly those who put their lives on the line for their country were treated when they returned to the United States.

Erik Kaufman / Mitchell Republic

“There are a lot of stories out there of people who served in Vietnam, and stateside and in Europe, about when they came home, communities didn’t always welcome them like they should have,” Johnson said.

He recalled a story told to him by a Vietnam veteran in Mobridge who talked about being in uniform at an airport on his way home from service. Four people followed him at the airport and attacked him, breaking three ribs, his jaw and ripped off his uniform.

Erik Kaufman / Mitchell Republic

That kind of treatment is wholly unacceptable, Johnson said, and he reminded those in attendance

of a program currently underway

through the United States House of Representatives and local communities that offers to help ease the pain of those memories. The program entails special pinning ceremonies held for Vietnam veterans in communities around South Dakota.

It is a small gesture to those who suffered on the battlefield and upon their return home, Johnson said, but it’s an important one.

Erik Kaufman / Mitchell Republic

“I’ve recognized more than 400 Vietnam veterans in South Dakota in the last three years, but this program ends in a year. And there are a lot more lapel pins, a lot more challenge coins and a lot more recognition that we can get out,” Johnson said. “If you know of somebody, wherever they live in South Dakota, (we would ask them to) allow us to apologize for that poor welcome.”

Johnson’s address at the luncheon was just one part of the Vietnam era reunion held in Mitchell over the weekend. The event, which has been held for over 20 years, invites Vietnam veterans from around the state to gather together, share common experiences and interact with fellow soldiers who understand those experiences.

Erik Kaufman / Mitchell Republic

Wanda Kobes, one of the organizers of the reunion, said it’s a wonderful time for veterans, their spouses and others to come together as an almost family unit.

“It’s just talking to their brothers that they haven’t seen,” Kobes said. “It’s relaxing. We kick back and people say ‘Oh my god, I haven’t seen you in so long!’”

Kobes said about 100 veterans had signed up for this year’s reunion, and said it’s a laid back, casual event that allows veterans to reconnect with their past and share memories of a time now nearly 50 years in the past.

Erik Kaufman / Mitchell Republic

And they come from all over the state, and like they did during their service time, they prop each other up and give each other the support that was often in short supply after the Vietnam War ended.

Many veterans in the state are familiar with the event, but she encouraged those veterans who may not have yet taken part or have contemplated taking part to do so. It’s a time to reminisce about history, their service and the struggles they all faced during a difficult time in history.

“Just come. It’s very kicked back, very relaxed. It’s awesome when these veterans and spouses can get together and shake hands and hug,” Kobes said.

Erik Kaufman / Mitchell Republic

The 2022 reunion concluded Sunday, but Kobes said organizers of the event would continue to host it as long as possible.

“Absolutely. Anytime it’s for a veteran, I’m on it,” Kobes said.

The 2022 reunion won’t be the only event to specifically honor Vietnam veterans this year.

A traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will be featured as a centerpiece for the Celebration of Freedom events in Parkston from June 29 to July 4.

Erik Kaufman / Mitchell Republic

Rob Monson, one of the planners for the Parkston event, also spoke at the luncheon and said while the event is a recognition for military veterans from all eras of service, organizers wanted to make a special gesture to Vietnam veterans, who so often had their service overlooked or minimized by critics.

This will be another chance to receive the thanks they should have received decades ago.

“This is a five-day celebration of freedom,” Monson said. “This is for all veterans, but we really wanted to emphasize you guys, who got a horrible welcome home when this happened. We want to try and right some wrongs.”

Like the upcoming Parkston celebration, Johnson said the pinning and recognition program in which he takes part is just one way the public can apologize for how veterans were treated upon their return to the United States all those years ago.

“It’s really one more gift (the veterans) are giving this country — allowing our country to do it right, because we messed it up 50 years ago,” Johnson said.

More information on the Parkston celebration of Freedom event can be found at their website

www.parkstoncelebration.com.