I have been reading reports about how our local residents were coming out to welcome home our returning veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq. It warmed my heart to see how our citizens are showing their respect and appreciation to our returning heroes. It is a vindication for all of our past veterans.
I am a Vietnam-era veteran and I and my comrades never got that kind of welcome 30-plus years ago. That what we did back then was worth all of the hardship and sacrifices that we had to endure for the very freedom, we sometimes forget, is not free.
Lest we forget that our families and friends are the victory that we have fought and died for. The returning veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq have our utmost respect and admiration. May God bless them all until they safely return to their loved ones.
Manny Rodriguez
Lakeport
