in DC

I'm in DC this week for work -- first shmoozing, then a conference.

There is nothing quite like this city -- especially for a political junkie like me. I was here last in January 2009 for the Inauguration. An incredible trip, full of hope (not cliched, truly, optimism was in the air), joy and new beginnings. Like any relationship, really ;)

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Yesterday was harder for me than I realized it would be.

I've never been here over a Veterans' Day, just always knew certain activities happened here that day and that was that. Seeing the scores of veterans here was incredible and moving. Yesterday marked the first time the WWII memorial had a wreath-laying ceremony, five years after the memorial opened. There were dozens of WWII veterans here ... all wearing some insignia of where they served, what branch of service they were in, etc. It was the moment I laid eyes on the Pearl Harbor veteran, in his wheelchair, that I think the waterworks really kicked in. I thanked him for his service ... and as we walked down the mall towards the Smithsonian Metro station I remained amazed at the history, knowledge and sacrifice that this man has seen.

A few minutes before encountering this man, I was asked a question by my coworker, Doc, and his friend, Joe, about why Vietnam Veterans greet each other with "Welcome Home."

This stunned me and let me explain why.

Both of these men have been involved in politics for years. Both have served for various House members in the Florida Legislature. Both have worked for members with ties to Veterans Affairs in Florida.

WTF?

As a child of a Vietnam Veteran I was heartbroken. As a member of the VFW Auxilary and American Legion Auxilary, I was heartbroken. As a student of history and politics, I was heartbroken.

For the uninitated, the term "Welcome Home," often used by Vietnam Veterans to greet each other, refers to the poor treatment they often received after returning home from Vietnam. Spit on, called baby killers or worse, and generally reviled, many of these veterans immediately changed from their uniforms into civilian clothes immediately upon entering the United States. Only their brothers in arms, fellow Vietnam Veterans, knew of the heartbreak and sacrifice that these men had seen. Thus, the term "Welcome Home" was nearly unheard of, except when used by fellow Vietnam Veterans.

Contrast this treatment to the treatment WWII veterans received -- parades, honors and tears of joy. You can see why Vietnam Veterans often consider each other their true brothers, as only they know what they've been through.

To paraphrase a quote ... when we forget our history, we are doomed to repeat it.