Range Rider: The Last Day, 1975

On a dismal, muggy day in late April of 1975, a heavy atmosphere of fear, apprehension, anger, defeat, despair and chaos hung over a battered city 50 miles from the South China Sea. The streets were littered with the boots and uniforms of soldiers who had deserted in order to protect their families, especially after the loss of American air support. U.S. security guards, volunteers and CIA agents struggled to hold back thousands of desperate refugees, who loudly begged to board the American Sea Knight helicopters that careened overhead, landing, loading and taking off one after the other. 

The evacuation continued for 18 hours, exhausting the crews of the 80 helicopters that flew 495 sorties. The final helicopter departed from the embassy roof at four in the morning. From the lifting chopper, the lights of hundreds of military trucks could be seen stretching as far as the eye could see, driving south to claim the spoils of their socialist victory.

It was the day Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese, marking the end of the Vietnam War as the remaining Americans were evacuated from the smoldering, war-torn country.

U.S. involvement in Vietnam was complex, driven by the goal of preventing the spread of communism and supporting the South Vietnamese government against the communist North. There was no formal declaration of war, and many Americans were either unconcerned or unaware of the situation.

Vietnam was the first televised conflict, with photos and footage of its grim realities featured in magazines, newspapers and television. This exposure brought the war into American homes, fueling hostility and spurring a significant anti-war movement that called for the return of U.S. troops.

The last U.S. combat troops departed South Vietnam on August 11, 1972. Shortly thereafter, Hanoi released the remaining American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam, marking the painful and unsettled conclusion of America’s eight-year involvement in the Vietnam War.

President Nixon signed the Paris Peace Accords on March 29, 1973, which ended direct U.S. involvement in the war. North Vietnam agreed to a cease-fire. Two years later, communist forces captured Saigon, leading to South Vietnam’s surrender.

The Vietnam War took a heavy toll, resulting in widespread casualties. Upon returning home, many veterans faced ostracism and ridicule and were accused of dishonorable conduct. Despite this mistreatment, they upheld their dignity after fighting bravely for our freedoms. While some veterans rebuilt their lives by finding jobs and serving their communities, many struggled silently, often without the recognition they deserved. This disgraceful injustice must never be repeated.

The GI Bill initially provided generous education benefits to World War II veterans, but this changed for Vietnam veterans, who faced severe cutbacks and overwhelming bureaucratic challenges. Many became frustrated and chose to avoid the system altogether. The job market was tough, and society often turned its back on them, leaving veterans to navigate their struggles alone. This situation serves as a heartbreaking reminder of their sacrifices and the inadequate support they received upon returning home.

America sought to forget Vietnam veterans, failing to make amends for their sacrifices. However, the warriors who endured unimaginable horrors formed a strong brotherhood that transcended the battlefield. They established support organizations to assist their fellow veterans, advocated for improved healthcare services and worked to enhance VA services. Additionally, they mentored younger generations of troops to ensure that no service member would return home to the same treatment they experienced.

Engraved on the black marble wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., are the names of over 58,000 U.S. service members who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Those who survived faced the reality that many would return home in flag-draped coffins. These men fought for your freedom and were willing to sacrifice.

It took far too long for Vietnam veterans to receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. As they risk being remembered only as names on cold stone, let us take a moment to honor their contributions and express our profound gratitude for their remarkable courage and resilience. Their stories deserve our heartfelt acknowledgment.

Thank you to our Vietnam veterans for your incredible courage and for forgiving the past neglect shown by our nation. You embody the true spirit of our military.

As we gather this Saturday, March 29, 2025, to observe National Vietnam Veterans Day, we honor you for the sacrifices you made in the name of freedom, and we are forever grateful for your service.

Welcome home.