The following excerpt follows what a Vietnam War veteran, Joseph M. Belardo Sr., went through after his return to the United States after his tour
Joseph M. Belardo Sr.
Joseph M. Belardo Sr. is a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Army. After his tour in Vietnam, Belardo dedicated much of his life to public service and advocating for fellow veterans. He became an active member of the American Legion and worked with various veteran organizations to support veterans’ rights and welfare. Additionally, Belardo contributed to the community by helping to establish veterans’ memorials and supporting efforts to ensure that the sacrifices of Vietnam War veterans were acknowledged and honored. However, he was faced with issues as many citizens believed he was a “murderer” after his return, with an uprise of protests happening as he returned. He felt hurt by this opposition from his own country as he was drafted into the military.