Vietnam War Veteran Reconciliation
WeSalute (founded as Veterans Advantage) Founder and CEO, Scott Higgins, proudly served America in the Vietnam War. He was happy to serve again in 1982 when he was asked by New York City Mayor Edward I. Koch to co-chair the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission.
The commission brought together Vietnam Veterans, national and local veterans organizations, major corporate sponsors, and the citizens of New York for the first time toward a common goal - recognizing the service members who fought and gave their lives for our country during the Vietnam War.
Scott's work, and the work of his fellow committee members, struck an emotional chord, acknowledging the service and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans without passing judgment on the policies or conduct of the war in which they fought. They raised $5 million in less than four years, and built a glass brick-and-granite memorial in lower Manhattan. On it's mirror-like walls are etched excerpts of letters and poems written by men and women during their time in Southeast Asia
The commission also established a jobs program for Vietnam Vets, and organized the May 7, 1985 "Welcome Home" Parade across the Brooklyn Bridge and down lower Broadway—New York’s "Canyon of Heroes"—in which 25,000 Veterans paraded to the cheering of a million New Yorkers.
The highly praised book, Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam, was born of the design of the memorial. The film based on the book was honored with a Peabody and two Emmy Awards.
We were also very proud to be accepted as a Commemorative Partner in the Department of Defense's Commemorative Partner Program when we committed to having at least 2 events to honor Vietnam Veterans over a 3 year period, which we easily achieved. A commemorative plaque and flag hangs in the WeSalute (founded as Veterans Advantage) Connecticut Office, reminding us of our pledge to always work toward more respect, recognition, and rewards for Vietnam Veterans, as well as veterans from every other service branch and era.
