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Vietnam veteran Lee Alley, center, talks about his journey back to Vietnam during a panel about the PBS Documentary, “Home from the Vietnam War.” (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)
National Museum of Military Vehicles owner Dan Starks speaks at the Vietnam Veterans Day event at the museum.
Episode 3244 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 2 of a story about How Vietnam Veterans Day was celebrated in Wyoming. The featured story is titled: Decades Late, Vietnam Veterans Finally Get A Wyoming Welcome Home. It appeared on the Cowboy State Daily website and was submitted by Renée Jean.
Jean reported that Welcome Home Day in Dubois brought together veterans and civilians to honor the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Vietnam War, highlighted by the powerful story of Lee Alley. Featured in the PBS documentary Home from the Vietnam War, Alley’s experience captured both the intensity of combat and the lifelong emotional toll it carries. Widely recognized as Wyoming’s most decorated veteran, Alley earned numerous medals for his extraordinary bravery during a 1967 battle at Fire Support Base Cudgel.
Facing overwhelming enemy forces, Alley ordered his men to retreat across a river while he remained behind alone, providing cover fire. Armed with weapons and grenades handed off by his fellow soldiers, he fought relentlessly, fully expecting to die in order to save his unit. Despite his heroic actions, Alley has never viewed himself as a hero, instead grappling with the harsh reality of what war forced him to become.
Decades later, the war continues to affect him through recurring nightmares and deep personal reflection. His return to Vietnam became a journey toward understanding and healing. In a profound moment, Alley met a former enemy soldier, and the two shared their mutual struggles with trauma. Their emotional exchange, culminating in forgiveness and a promise to move forward, lifted a burden Alley had carried for years.
The event also underscored a broader issue: many veterans continue to fight internal battles long after returning home. आयोजers emphasized the urgent need for support, connection, and recognition, reminding all in attendance that honoring veterans must go beyond words to meaningful action.
Listen to Episode 3244 and discover more about How Vietnam Veterans Day was celebrated in Wyoming.
