March 29, 2025

Dear Fellow Veterans and Friends,

Today, March 29, 2025, we stand together on the 50th anniversary of Vietnam War Veterans Day—a day etched in our nation’s conscience to honor those who served in a period of war that shaped us all. I remember the Soldiers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the Blackhorse, those I was privileged and honored to serve with. until that day in May 1970 when I was wounded and medevacked out. I came home. Too many did not. This day is for them, for all who served, and for the Families who stood by us and for our Gold Star Families.

Fifty years ago, the Vietnam War ended, but its shadow lingered. Our Soldiers served with courage and skill equal to any generation. yet the trust they earned was fractured—replaced often by silence or scorn. Today, I ask you to join me in saying what should have been said then: “Welcome Home.” It is more than words—it is gratitude, honor, and a promise to never forget.

That promise demands we fulfill the trust placed in us by those who serve—an unspoken bond that we will be there when they come home, with honor and thanks, with care, with support for them and their Families. In Vietnam, that trust broke. I felt it at Valley Forge General Hospital among fellow amputees, soldiers asking why their country turned away. It lit a hot blue flame in me—a resolve to restore that trust wherever I could. I was not alone of course. Today, we renew that commitment, ensuring that trust is fulfilled.

Today, we look back not with bitterness, but with pride—at a generation that faced the fire and emerged stronger. From the Blackhorse in Vietnam through the Cold War to the sands of Desert Storm, we transformed with a legacy of fierce no quit resilience and devotion, proving that even in the darkest times, the spirit of service endures. It is a quiet iron will strength that binds us still, a testament to those who gave all and those who carry on.

There was not a day commanding VII Corps in Desert Storm I did not remember Vietnam and drew great strength, by remembering my fellow Wounded Warrior amputees at Valley Forge General Hospital, by remembering those who fought with a skill, devotion to each other, and commitment to our Nation equal to any generation of our Armed Forces and by remembering those who did not come home.

Driven and inspired by those we honor today, I remain proud to serve voluntarily with Armando Hernandez USMC Veteran and his Home Base Team these past 11 years expanding rapidly to fulfill that trust by honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of our Veterans and Families as we did last Friday at Jet Blue Park, and care and healing invisible wounds of service in our programs in SWFL, Tampa, and Pensacola, and MGH in Boston.

To every Vietnam veteran reading this: Welcome Home. You went, you served, you sacrificed—and we are proud to call you ours. A grateful nation thanks and honors you, today and always.

With deepest respect,

Fred Franks

General, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Honorary Director Home Base Florida