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South Carolina Military and Veterans
00000177-2120-db48-a97f-fb22304a0000South Carolina has a rich military history, beginning in the Colonial Era. Today, the state has a significant military presence. SC Public Radio and SCETV offers news coverage of South Carolina's active bases, military personnel and veterans, and the economic and cultural impact they have on communities throughout the state and across the nation, as well as stories and profiles exploring our state's military history.

They Fought in an Unpopular War; 50 Years Later, Vietnam Vets Finally Hear “Thank You”

South Carolina Public Radio | By Thelisha Eaddy
Published April 6, 2018 at 4:49 PM EDT
James and Tammy Blackwell take a picture of a box containing the names of all South Carolinians who died during the Vietnam War.
Thelisha Eaddy/SC Public Radio
James and Tammy Blackwell take a picture of a box containing the names of all South Carolinians who died during the Vietnam War.

The last American troops withdrew from South Vietnam in 1975. On March 29, the 50th anniversary of this historic event coincided with the first National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Vietnam War Veterans Day is a new holiday, established when President Trump signed the Vietnam War Recognition Act of 2017. Veterans and supporters across the country gathered to remember their sacrifices and also to finally hear the words "thank you for your service."

The Vietnam War extended from the 1950s to 1975. Almost 900 South Carolinians died in the war. According to the National Archives website, there were 700 battle deaths and nearly 200 non-battle deaths. 

Sights and Sounds from First Vietnam War Veterans Day in Columbia

Left: George Culler joined the military at 17. He remembers growing up very quickly after seeing war up close. Right: Terry Greenfield honors his father during Vietnam War Veterans Day. He says he remembers the hatred Vietnam vets faced returning home.
Credit Thelisha Eaddy/SC Public Radio
Left: George Culler joined the military at 17. He remembers growing up very quickly after seeing war up close, while in Vietnam. Right: Terry Greenfield honors his father during Vietnam War Veterans Day. He says he remembers the hatred Vietnam vets faced when returning home.

Gerald Phelps describes what the 1968 medevac helicopter was able to do and how it was used during the Vietnam era.
Credit Thelisha Eaddy/SC Public Radio
Gerald Phelps describes what the 1968 medevac helicopter was able to do and how it was used during the Vietnam era.

gerald_phelps_web_sot.mp3
LISTEN: This is what a 1968 medevac helicopter was able to do and how it was used during the Vietnam era.

During the ceremony, this army-green colored box sat on the steps of the state house. Below, Veteran Affairs Director Howard Metcalf shares the significance of the box.
Credit Thelisha Eaddy/SC Public Radio
During the ceremony, this army-green colored box sat on the steps of the state house. Below, Veteran Affairs Director Howard Metcalf shares the significance of the box.
Metcalf_box_web.mp3
Head of VA Howard Metcalf shares the significance of the army-green box that sat on the steps of the state house.
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SC News South Carolina military & veteransVietnam-SCscetv.orgSC Focus