(Riverton, WY) – Governor Gordon and the Wyoming Veterans Commission are pleased to announce celebrations for the “Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Day” on Saturday, May 10.
The day of welcoming was codified in state law during the 61st legislative session for March 30 of each year, the date U.S. combat troops would have set foot on Wyoming soil after returning home from the Vietnam War in 1973.
WHEREAS, The Korean War, also referred to as the “Forgotten War,” was fought from 1950 until the cease fire was signed in 1953. When Korean War Veterans returned to the United States, after experiencing a year of brutal combat – many were asked – Where have you been?; and
WHEREAS, The Vietnam War was fought from 1961 to 1975. In 1965, there were 80,000 American troops in Vietnam and by 1969 a peak of approximately 543,000 troops were deployed. Those members of the United States armed forces who lost their lives in Vietnam number 58,267 – 120 from Wyoming. Wounded Americans number 303,644 and 1,711 Americans remain unaccounted for; and
WHEREAS, 52 years ago, on March 29, 1973, the United States armed forces completed the withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam with the last returning members stepping foot on United States soil on March 30, 1973. Members of the United States armed forces who served bravely and faithfully for the United States were caught in the crossfire of public debate about the involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War. Many were treated with disrespect. Military leaders recommended soldiers not wear their military uniform as they returned home; and
WHEREAS, many Veterans of previous wars – especially World War II, the first Gulf War, and Cold War Veterans – were not properly welcomed home and did not receive the thanks of a grateful state and nation; and
WHEREAS, The 61st Wyoming Legislature enacted legislation designating March 30 of each year as the Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARK GORDON, Governor of the State of Wyoming, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2025, as
Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Day
In recognition of the members of the United States armed forces who served bravely and faithfully for the United States during all wars including the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and to all those members of the United States armed forces who were not properly thanked or welcomed home following their military service.
All Wyoming Veterans, especially those from the Korean War, Vietnam War, and other Veterans who were not properly thanked upon their return home are invited to attend and receive the welcome and thanks of a grateful state. Military, surviving spouses of Veterans, and family members are also welcome to attend.
Also attending the celebrations will be First Lady Jennie Gordon. Through her Wyoming Hunger Initiative, she will provide a free steak to each Veteran who attends. All Veterans, surviving spouses of Veterans and family members are invited and encouraged to attend this event.
The first ceremony will commence in Afton at 8:45 am at the Afton Readiness Center, 391 Warrior Way.
A ceremony will commence in Riverton at 10:45 am at the CWC Health & Science Building, 2660 Peck Ave.
A third ceremony of the day will commence in Sheridan at 1:15 pm at The Hub on Smith, 211 Smith St.
The final ceremony of the day will be held in Wheatland at 3:15 pm at the Platte Valley Bank Conference Center, 200 16th St.
The ceremonies will feature remarks by Governor Mark Gordon, Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, the Adjutant General of Wyoming, and Veterans Commission Chairman Ken Persson, as well as other Veterans and local officials who will be speaking. Receiving lines will be formed so Wyoming residents can join the effort to thank our Veterans.
Wyoming communities are also encouraged to host their own celebrations to honor Wyoming Veterans who may not have been thanked for their service or welcomed home.
For more information, contact the Wyoming Veterans Commission at (307) 777-8152.