The group was not overly large and there was no ticker-tape, but there were men, women, and children waving flags, holding signs, and shouting thank yous.

It wasn’t just the bridge, there were signs and shouting people along the path the veterans followed from Betts Park to the Woman’s Club of Warren.

It was a long-overdue welcome home.

“They left one battlefield many years ago and came home to another battlefield, some living with their emotions in the shadows,” Brenda Saporito of Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua said. “It was long overdue. It was an emotional day for all and be to be given the opportunity to be able to honor them, to recognize them, as they so long deserved.”

Among those honoring Vietnam veterans and welcoming them home as they crossed the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Saturday were (from left) Joesph Blasco of Cub Scout Pack 6, and Harvey, Amber, and Garrett Renner. Photo by Brian Ferry

Dozens of Vietnam veterans, escorted by law enforcement vehicles, were involved in a processional from Betts Park to a dinner in their honor at the Woman’s Club of Warren.

“Every veteran there thanked us, for a job well done,” Saporito said. “They enjoyed their day.”

The dinner included speeches by elected officials, veterans and at least one who is both.

At the conclusion of the event was a pinning ceremony for each of the veterans.

Saporito read a poem that summed up the event – “Welcome Home. It’s Never Too Late.”