JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Friday is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a chance to honor the millions who served during the war.
The Jacksonville National Cemetery hosted its annual ceremony to commend many for their courage and sacrifice.
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Three veterans who served during different periods of the war shared their unique perspectives Friday with News4JAX.
SHARE: Do you know a Vietnam War hero? You can share pictures of them with us to observe this special day on SnapJAX and we might use it on air
Jimmy Dorsey was in the Marine Corps during part of the Vietnam War and his return to U.S. soil in 1970 was anything but pleasant.
“I was spit on when I came home and called every name in the book,” Dorsey said. “They were throwing stuff at us, spitting at us and stuff.”
Dorsey said he felt so betrayed that he opted to not wear his Vietnam War hat for the next decade or even acknowledge he had served.
“Somewhere between ‘81 and ‘85 is where I started showing patriotism and was proud of what I did,” Dorsey said. “Those people who threw stuff at us or spit at us, I don’t care what they say or did. I finally took pride in what I had done.”
Jane Mason was among the 3 million Americans who took the oath for the Vietnam War.
She proudly served in the Navy at the time alongside the love of her life, Robert. The two were married for 46 years before Robert died from leukemia last June at age 89.
“Back in the day, we all raised our hand to go. Some people did not want to go, but there were a lot of us, including women, that wanted to stand for this country,” Mason said. “The military is my life.”
In addition to honoring those who are still with us, Friday’s ceremony was a chance to pay tribute to those who never made it home, including the thousands who are still missing in action and the many who were killed in combat.
Pastor Ivory Winfrey lost an uncle and a cousin in the war.
“We do remember them. As a matter of fact, one of them is lying right over here behind me,” Winfrey said, pointing to a grave in Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Winfrey spent four years in combat, including time with both the Army and Navy.
“We left home for God and country and our civilian families that we left that have a much better life and freedom,” Winfrey said.
Friday’s ceremony was a chance to thank them for that.
“I think this is a blessing that they finally realize and are treating the Vietnam veterans right,” Dorsey said.