Operation LZ expects huge turnout for Vietnam “Welcome Home”

     U.S. veterans of the Vietnam War will get a long-overdue “Welcome Home” this August 27-30 in Forest City.

     Forty years ago, the last of the American troops were pulled off the front lines and bases in Vietnam; ending a 13-year war in which 58,119 troops were killed and 153,303 were injured.

     Operation LZ (Landing Zone) Welcome Home is an opportunity for those who lost family members, neighbors and schoolmates to recognize and honor those who were called, served and sacrificed without ever getting a proper “thank you”.

     Organized by Riley Lewis and a committee of 25 veterans and civilians, this homecoming is taking off with anywhere from 12,000-15,000 visitors from North Iowa and Southern Minnesota, as well as out-of-state guests gathering to show their gratitude and respect to Vietnam veterans who didn’t receive a proper welcome home forty plus years ago. 

     See story in this week's Tribune.