Veterans Among Us: Unexpected homecomings

As we celebrate Veteran’s Day this year, there are thousands of events scheduled to commemorate how our country started, where we are and everything in between. Parades, block parties, city celebrations, music fests and the like will fill our lives with history, significant figures and hot dogs. 

As a Vietnam War veteran, these celebrations have not just brought me appreciation, but also the feeling of knowing what it means to be a responsible citizen.

For millions of men and women, Vietnam was a simple equation: Our country called and we went. For many, the return from Vietnam meant a few loved ones at an isolated airport gate, bus station or train station. There was little if any fanfare, but these meaningful greetings were enough to propel us forward to productive lives, honoring those we had left behind. 

As Miami alums, my wife, Rosemary, and I have participated in many Alumni Weekends. This was to be the first Alumni Weekend in many, many decades when Miami showcased alumni military veterans at a number of venues across campus. The weekend culminated with the traditional Parade of Classes on Slant Walk. In Chairs of Honor in the front row of seats, I sat with dozens of men and women from all eras who had served. We were recognized by Miami’s alumni director and other university officials.

Nick Zenz, a Miami employee and Air Force veteran, came to where I was seated, gathered a few of us, and said, “Please come forward to lead the parade.” I did not expect my emotions to intervene at this point, but they did. For over five decades, I had rarely been in a situation where I was applauded and not criticized or questioned for stepping up to serve in the Vietnam War.

As we walked through hundreds of alumni, many were crying. Some reached out to touch us or ran on the sidewalk to hug us. As I walked, I cried too, for the men I left in Vietnam who would never have this experience. 

The parade ended at the Armstrong Center for Miami Fest, another tradition of Alumni Weekend. As we were leaving for home, we came across a seated group of Miami employees who were sharing their Alumni Weekend stories. Then I locked eyes with Laney, a friend, who was with her Miami colleagues in the group. Laney has been very, very sick, but there she was – bright eyed and spirited as she jumped forward to greet us. As she hugged me, she said, “I’m so glad to see you. Being here this weekend has been like coming home.” I’m proud to have been able to experience two home comings in the same day – one for me and one for Laney. God had smiled on both of us.

Lee Fisher is a Miami graduate, resident of Oxford, Ohio and a Vietnam War veteran.