OWEGO, N.Y. (WENY) -- Every year on March 29th, veterans who’ve served in the Vietnam War Era are welcomed home and thanked for their service, part of a nationwide celebration of all Vietnam veterans, National Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. On Wednesday, Tioga County's Veterans’ Service Agency welcomed home those in the Twin Tiers and beyond who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

“We get our reward every day; this freedom thing,” Navy Veteran Alan Petrush said, adding, “It's here but it can go away any day.” 

Veterans of all ages gathered in Owego today to honor those who served in Vietnam. Members from the Special Guerilla Unit who fought in the secret Vietnam War of Laos also participated and were honored in Wednesday morning’s ceremony. 

“When our Vietnam vets came home, many times they were told when they were returning to the state, they were told to wear civilian clothes; don't wear your uniform.” Michael Middaugh, Director of the Tioga Veterans' Service Agency, said, adding, “Many were spat upon, hit, accused of a lot of unspeakable things that they didn't do.” 

Roughly 50 hometown heroes across Tioga County were honored at Wednesday morning's wreath-laying and warm welcome-home ceremony. The ceremony is not only a thank you to Vietnam vets, but serves to be the welcome home those service members deserved over half a century ago. 

“These men and women didn't get that and it's important to make sure they understand they are welcome home; that they get the homecomings that they should've gotten, but unfortunately 50 years ago they didn't.”