(No caption)
Museum photo
It’s been 50 years since the contentious Vietnam War ended.
Starting Friday, five decades later, the exhibit “Welcome Home: Vietnam Veterans of America Detroit Chapter #9” opens at the Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave. in Midtown Detroit. The exhibit runs through Oct. 19.
The exhibit tells the story of Detroit Chapter #9—the first Vietnam Veterans of America chapter in Michigan—and the challenges its members faced returning home from war, along with the chapter’s decades-long commitment to advocacy, according to a press release.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #9 began at Wayne State University, where Detroit-area Vietnam veterans had enrolled in classes under the GI Bill.
“Groups called Bamboo Rap and Flight of the Phoenix came together to offer support and opportunities for veterans dealing with the aftermath of their war experience,” a press release said. “In 1980, 50 Detroit-area veterans joined members from the WSU group to form Vietnam Veterans of Michigan, which in 1983 was officially chartered by the national VVA as Detroit Chapter #9.”
Paul Palazzolo, president of VVA Detroit Chapter #9, said in a statement:
“We are grateful that the story of Vietnam veterans and Detroit Chapter #9 will be told through this exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum. We hope that everyone takes the time to learn about our service to country, veterans, and the community as a whole.”
The exhibition is located in the Robert and Mary Ann Bury Community Gallery on the museum's second floor. Admission is included with general museum entry.
