Vietnam War veterans, public invited to homecoming celebration at Chehaw

ALBANY — In an effort to help make up for the treatment they received upon their return from the Vietnam War, the veterans in southwest Georgia who took part in that conflict are being treated to a homecoming celebration.

The celebration is set for noon-7 p.m. on March 9 at Chehaw. Live music, giveaways, arts and crafts vendors, and food will be a part of the daylong celebration. Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Georgia, the homecoming will include a “welcome home” parade at 2 p.m. — and the music and entertainment will be from Albany-area acts.

In keeping with the theme of honoring Vietnam veterans, the veterans will get food and raffle entries for free — and there is no vendor fee for Vietnam veterans and their spouses.

“(The event) will be free for all Vietnam-era veterans, and regular park admission for everyone else,” Courtney Hudson, one of the coordinators of the event, said. “We are not affiliated with any group. (We are) a group of individuals who feel like it was long overdue.”

Hudson is planning the event along with her mother, who works as a Veterans Affairs nurse. Having exposure to the military community, she has heard the stories of veterans coming home only to have food thrown at them, being cursed at and called names.

“It is something that is a blight on our society,” she said. “You don’t have to be connected to the military to come. It is open to everybody.”

Retired Army Capt. Tommy Clack, who lost three limbs in a bombing during the conflict, is expected to be there to share his story.

“He is really good to hear,” Hudson said.

Bouncy houses, cotton candy, popcorn, peanuts and snow cones will be available for youngsters — and military vehicles, including a Healy helicopter, will be on display.

“There are just so many people coming out,” Hudson said.

The 2 p.m. parade will be of ticker-tape fashion. Veterans can load up in vehicles or walk around the loop at Chehaw while attendees of the event are encouraged to hold up signs and posters they have made to honor them.

“We are giving back and (letting them) have the parade they should have had,” Hudson said. “Our main goal is to get people to come that day.

“We don’t care about raising money. We just want people to come out.”

Hudson said the event, which had originally been scheduled for October of last year but was cancelled after the devastation of Hurricane Michael, will be a one-time thing, but she said she hopes the event will not be the end.

“My hope is that other groups see what we are doing and plan events of their own,” she said.

Hudson said craft vendors are still being accepted, as are bottled water donations.

For more information, call (229) 395-7583 or (229) 395-7569. Individuals can also find “South Georgia Vietnam Veterans Homecoming” on Facebook.

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