Honoring the Legacy of Vietnam Veterans at the University of New Haven

When Vietnam Veterans returned home, many did not receive the warm welcome they deserved. Political tensions surrounding the war often overshadowed the sacrifices of those who served. Now, 50 years later, the University of New Haven is committed to honoring these veterans and ensuring their stories are heard.

For Ryan Noonan, manager of Military & Veterans Affairs at the University, these efforts, including welcoming veterans from the West Haven Vietnam Veterans Association to campus earlier this year, is more than a historical recognition. It is a chance to show appreciation and foster an even stronger veteran community on campus.

“The Veteran Community can often be a very tight-knit group due to the shared experiences and similarities between our times in service,” said Noonan, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who served two tours in Iraq. “Having so many supporters present to welcome these veterans helped to grow our community just a little bit wider and showed them how much their service means to us.”

Noonan emphasized the significance of saying “Welcome Home” rather than simply thanking Vietnam Veterans for their service. “The Vietnam Veterans didn't receive the same warm welcome home that many other veterans did due to the political strife regarding our involvement in the conflict back then,” he said. “So, instead of thanking them for their service, we say ‘Welcome Home’ to show them that they are not forgotten and that they are indeed appreciated.”

Robert M. Clark, Jr., the Army ROTC program coordinator, sees this commemoration as an essential learning experience for current Cadets.

“Our Cadets need to connect with the past heritage of service,” Clark said. “These Vietnam veterans are a legacy to service, where Cadets can learn to appreciate times before them, hear personal accounts of the war, and still apply the leadership and human elements to their own careers.”

Clark also reflected on the University’s transformation over the past decades. “When you reexamine the late 1960s and early 1970s, this campus, like many others, had anti-war protests and sentiments,” he said. “Unfortunately, that frustration was misdirected at those who had served rather than at the political decisions of the time. The fact that we, as a University, are now re-engaging and properly honoring these veterans says a lot about where we want to go as a community.”

As the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War approaches on March 29, the University of New Haven is participating in a nationwide Department of Defense-supported initiative to honor those who served. As part of this commemoration, the University received a series of educational posters about the Vietnam War, which are being displayed in the Military & Veteran Affairs Center. These posters, identical to those showcased at similar institutions across the country and at the Pentagon, offer historical insights into the war and its lasting impact.

On Thursday, March 27, at 9 a.m. at the Corporal John M. Dawson Memorial flagpole, adjacent to the German Club and Kathy Zolad Stadium, the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs will host a brief ceremony and flag raising in honor of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The University of New Haven has a long-standing commitment to supporting military-affiliated students, and David A. Schroeder, Ph.D., interim dean of the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, emphasized that honoring veterans has always been part of the University’s mission.

“From our very beginnings more than 100 years ago, addressing the educational needs of those having served in the Great War, the University has welcomed and supported those who have served our country,” Dr. Schroeder said. “To host events and participate in initiatives that continue that tradition comes very naturally, especially when honoring the end of a war that affected so many of our parents’ generation.”

The University’s ongoing initiatives—such as educational programs, veterans’ support services, and commemorative events—reflect this deep-rooted commitment. “We want all our veteran students to feel that the University is their home,” Dr. Schroeder said. “It is seamless for us to participate in events such as this because we believe in fostering a sense of belonging for those who have dedicated their lives to service.”

For Vincent C. Franco ’25, a student veteran and the student veteran outreach coordinator for the VA Work/Study Program, the opportunity to be part of this initiative was deeply meaningful. “I volunteered to serve, while many of the Vietnam Veterans were drafted and faced an unwelcoming reception home,” Franco said. “Being able to tell these service members, ‘Welcome home,’ was significant to me both as a veteran and as an American.”

Franco believes that these initiatives serve as a bridge connecting the past with the present. “The commemorative posters now on display offer military-affiliated students an opportunity to explore historical events and gather essential details to improve their understanding,” he said.

Noonan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the power of recognition. “Sometimes, there are things that are bigger than ourselves,” he said. “Something as simple as ‘Welcome Home’ can make a huge impact on others.”