Vietnam Veterans: how did you feel after you fought in Vietnam; and in general were not honored/respected?

I served two tours in Vietnam, Northern I Corps, Quang Tri Province, on the DMZ , In Laos, Cam Lo, Con Thien, Dong Ha, Da Nang and the surrounding areas as a Combat Marine. I served my Country with pride, honor and dignity, just like all of us did, and I followed orders and did what I was told to do. When I got back home and landed at LAX I was proud Marine, a Sergeant in Uniform and I was greeted by an ungrateful Nation. I was treated like a criminal and with cold shoulders. I got spit on by this hippy bitch and called all kinds of nasty names including "baby killer." How did I feel? I felt like I was an outcast, like I was the enemy and I was pissed beyond belief. I had the biggest resentment and I thought everyone was an asshole. I started hating people in general and I can honestly tell you that I hated all those long haired, dope smoking, raggedy ass war demonstrating bastards. That's how I felt! Welcome Home! Rght?

Sadly to say that being disrespected, disowned and dishonor hurts to this day. But, I am very happy that we honor our military today. It was my peers at home during that era who need to look at themselves in the mirror and be thankful to those who served our country, because a lot of them avoided it.

Nothing but respect for the Vietnam Vets. Now that they're getting up in years I'm starting to see a lot more of them in the hospital and getting to interact and talk with our older generations is always a positive. Even after everything. Fighting the war then returning home to little or no support. I've noticed many still hold a high patriotic pride, even some I've met who were initially draftees. It's inspiring and refreshing to see.