SoylentNews

In February and March of 1973, after years of brutal captivity for many, 591 American prisoners of war in Vietnam returned home—including 138 courageous members of the Sea Services.

Their return was coined Operation Homecoming—a journey back to their families and country that helped mark the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. More importantly, it represented the uniquely American spirit of shared sacrifice, mighty defiance, unmatched bravery, and holding out hope in the face of unthinkable adversity.

To mark the 50th anniversary of this moment in history, for a limited time, we are offering individually-numbered 2023 Operation Homecoming Challenge Coins to our supporters with any gift of $35 or more to the Navy Memorial. This pre-sale opportunity is the FIRST time you can secure your 2023 Challenge Coin, so please donate now, and we will do everything we can to get the coin to you ASAP.

When these nearly 600 heroes returned home in 1973, many had spent years at the hands of their merciless captors. They were shackled, starved, beaten, and tortured. They had missed birthdays, anniversaries, and American milestones. They had no idea when, or if, their captivity would ever end.

But they were never broken. Extraordinary men like Naval Aviator Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., who spent over eight years as a prisoner of war, and the late Sen. John McCain, who spent five and a half years in captivity, with two of those years being in solitary confinement, also exemplify this unshakeable resilience. They quietly demonstrated the very best of the United States Sea Services, and we honor their sacrifice to this day—especially this year, on the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming.

Thanks to generous supporters like you will guarantee that historic moments like Operation Homecoming and the valor of our Sea Service members are never forgotten.

Join the Navy Memorial as we recognize the 50th anniversary of the return of our Vietnam POWs with this exclusive pre-sale offer: Donate $35 or more today to help us continue honoring our Sea Service veterans and receive your limited-edition, individually-numbered 2023 Operation Homecoming Challenge Coin.

From an email. Let's be clear, these guys are fund raising. Because I am part of a couple communities, they tend to target me for their fund raising drives. If anyone actually wants a challenge coin - https://donorbox.org/coin-1 Or, click it if you just want to read a bit more.

Fifty years ago. A lifetime, and more. I was a high school junior at that time.

But, let's not stop there. Every war has, had, or will have their returning veterans. Vietnam may have been more brutal than some wars, and less brutal than others. But, every war has had their veterans, prisoners, and their dead eventually returned home, or at least accounted for.

Ukraine is up for recognition soon - and then there will be more.