WEST POINT, Miss. (WTVA) -- People gathered at West Point City Hall Friday to honor the men and women who served their country in the military and became the lucky ones to return home.
"I was in the infantry in the U.S. Army, and my heart goes out to them because I know what they're going through because I got wounded, and I know they're taking a chance on their life everyday," American Legion Post 212 Commander Eddie Reives said.
"We all have the need to be liked at some level, and so, I would encourage everyone not to just support the veterans of the past but to please join up and embrace those who are coming home today," Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Colonel Dwight Dyess said.
"Every time you think of the freedoms that we enjoy, you should say thank you. Every time you are able to go places and do things and have the freedom of speech -- simple things we take for granted -- we owe it to our great vets because they have given so very much to our great country," U.S. Army Major General Reuben D. Jones said.
Vietnam veterans were thanked with a special message.
"This is the 50th anniversary of their service, and more importantly, it was a chance to say welcome home. Welcome, veterans. Vets, we know that we as a country didn't treat you as good when you returned home 50 years ago. But guess what? Welcome home, and thank you for your service," Major General Jones added.
