On Vietnam War Memorial Sunday in Piedmont Park, veteran Rev. Elderson J. McGhee surveyed the audience full of Atlanta and Fulton County residents, state politicians, dignitaries, and fellow Vietnam War veterans. He began his remarks by saying, “This is what I wanted when I came home from Vie tnam.” But as we know, there were no ceremonies or parades welcoming home the soldiers, dead or alive, who returned home from the war. They only received disdain. Some were spat upon by protestors of the war.  The average age of the soldiers in World War II was 26. The average age of the young men who served in Vietnam was only 19. Most didn’t have a clue why they were halfway around the world fighting Communism in this divided Southeast Asian country.  McGhee and his fellow Vietnam veterans finally got the welcome home celebration and parade they long sought with the dedication of Atlanta/Fulton County’s Vietnam War Memorial in Piedmont Park.  The monument features five pillars representing the five branches of the armed services and the plaques with the names of 240 men from Atlanta and Fulton County who made the ultimate sacrifice. Over 58,000 Americans were killed during the Vietnam War. That number does not include many others who returned home suffering from Agent Orange, PTSD, and other ailments.  Vietnam War veterans stand and return salutes during the memorial dedication. Photo by Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice “This project is designed to honor and memorialize them, their sacrifice, their service, and their legacy,” McGhee said. “This is a work for their hometown and their homeboys who served but returned home alive and able to tell their stories.” The idea for this project began 20 years ago in McGhee’s backyard, where he discussed the idea with several of his fellow Vietnam vets. It would be another 11 years before the city of Atlanta and City Councilman Michael Bond would become involved, helping make the project a reality.  On Jan. 22, 2019, Bond, with the support of the Atlanta Commission on Veterans Affairs, got the Atlanta City Council to approve a resolution to establish the Sons of Atlanta Vietnam War Monument and Memorial Experience, in partnership with the local 118th Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.  Rev. Eldson J. McGhee, president of the Greater Metro Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, addresses the audience at the dedication of the Sons of Atlanta Vietnam War Memorial Plaza in Piedmont Park. Photo by Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice “This memorial is our promise to remember – a place where stone and steel will forever echo the names and legacies of Atlanta’s fallen,” Bond said. “Hopefully, this will also be a place of healing for the veterans and family members of those who lost their lives.” According to McGhee, the memorial plaza is not the end of the work of the Sons of Atlanta Vietnam War Memorial Project.  “We will become a part of community centers and libraries all across Atlanta and Fulton County, providing instant access to resources and assistance that improve the quality of life for everyone in the community,” McGhee said.  “Let’s work and serve, as they did together to protect, preserve, and grow what we have, because their service and sacrifices warrant this level of loyalty from us now,” he added.  Located on the Piedmont Avenue side across from the ball field, the plaza is open and free during park hours.  Vietnam Veterans of America: www.vvachapter1118.com Email: [email protected]  The post ‘This is what I wanted when I came home from Vietnam’: City dedicated Vietnam War Memorial in Piedmont Park appeared first on The Atlanta Voice. ...read more read less