A Fitting Welcome

Saturday’s second editorial praises the work of a local group making sure soldiers returning home know their service is appreciated.

Sgt. Woody Walkup was smiling broadly as he was welcomed home at Myrtle Beach International Airport the other day. The Air Force sergeant was greeted by a large crowd at the airport who let him know his service in Afghanistan is appreciated by folks back home.

The 20-year-old is the latest area armed forces member proudly and properly welcomed by Operation Welcome Home, a service many communities would love to have. Operation Welcome Home is a fine showing of the wonderful community spirit throughout the area.

Some of the folks who welcomed Walkup surely could remember the shameful treatment of Vietnam veterans. One may dismiss such behavior as largely that of young college students who were protesting an unpopular war with the wrong people, but the actions taken against Vietnam veterans should not have happened. That was then, and Operation Welcome Home suggests Americans learned something and will remember that regardless of one's views about U.S. involvement in Iraq or Afghanistan, the young men and women who serve their country deserve respect and gratitude.

Besides family and friends, the folks welcoming Walkup were members of groups such as the American Legion, Rolling Thunder, Patriot Guard Riders, Blue Star Mothers and the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.

To take part

Phone the Veterans Welcome Home and Resource Center at 427-4568 to report the upcoming return of an armed forces member from duty in Afghanistan or Iraq or for information about being a volunteer at the center in Little River. Kris Tourtellotte is the director.

 

The 20-year-old is the latest area armed forces member proudly and properly welcomed by Operation Welcome Home, a service many communities would love to have. Operation Welcome Home is a fine showing of the wonderful community spirit throughout the area.

Some of the folks who welcomed Walkup surely could remember the shameful treatment of Vietnam veterans. One may dismiss such behavior as largely that of young college students who were protesting an unpopular war with the wrong people, but the actions taken against Vietnam veterans should not have happened. That was then, and Operation Welcome Home suggests Americans learned something and will remember that regardless of one's views about U.S. involvement in Iraq or Afghanistan, the young men and women who serve their country deserve respect and gratitude.

Besides family and friends, the folks welcoming Walkup were members of groups such as the American Legion, Rolling Thunder, Patriot Guard Riders, Blue Star Mothers and the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.

To take part

Phone the Veterans Welcome Home and Resource Center at 427-4568 to report the upcoming return of an armed forces member from duty in Afghanistan or Iraq or for information about being a volunteer at the center in Little River. Kris Tourtellotte is the director.