WMBCTV: Military Servicemembers Honored during Military Appreciation Month

It’s a heartfelt gesture intended to reach veterans and their families throughout the area - a community coming together to honor local residents who have served and continue to serve in our country’s armed forces. Throughout National Military Appreciation month, many have taken time to show gratitude to those who’ve served and for those who’ve served, they say it’s a time of reflection. In the heart of Hackensack, a special ceremony took place to acknowledge residents across the county who’ve served in our nation’s military. Keynote speaker Mr. Robin Bartlett is a Vietnam War veteran and he says he’s reflecting on what he describes was a daunting homecoming from Vietnam - a time when many say military personnel were looked down upon.

“It’s nice to be recognized, that’s the first and most important thing because we weren’t recognized when we came back from Vietnam, so many of us were not recognized and some of us had very difficult times coming back and have suffered as a result,” said Robin Bartlett, Vietnam War Veteran. “We hid our military service, we didn’t wear our uniforms.”

Mr. Bartlett says that while “thank you for your service” is a kind gesture, he encourages civilians to greet Vietnam veterans with “welcome home.”

“We were not welcomed home,” said Mr. Bartlett. “I’d like for people to say ‘welcome home’ because those words will move us, it’s a very significant thing to say. It indicates that you have more understanding and empathy of the sacrifice that we went through.”

This ceremony in Bergen County is part of a broader effort during Military Appreciation Month to help pay tribute to those who serve the country.