America has no shortage of veterans. Every generation has faced its own overseas conflict. But not every veteran was given the honor they deserve when they returned home. That's something the organizers of Warrior's Weekend intend to change.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, Warrior's Weekend will hold "The Parade That Never Was" to honor veterans of the Vietnam War. These veterans did not receive the kind of honor and welcome home many of today's veterans did. Instead, they came home to an America embroiled in cultural conflict. They often faced hostility for serving in the jungle and many put away their uniforms and did their best to return to normal life without any recognition for what they had done and suffered.

According to Shari Kocian, administrative assistant to the president of Warrior's Weekend, some of those Vietnam veterans in the Crossroads now volunteer with Warrior's Weekend to make sure today's veterans receive the honor and recognition they were denied. After seeing this, members of Warrior's Weekend wanted to do something for Vietnam veterans as well.

"It's really been on our hearts to do something to give them the welcome home they never received," Kocian said.

So on Saturday, "The Parade That Never Was" will take place in downtown Victoria to honor Vietnam veterans. Kocian says there are about 275 entries for the parade, including about 300 Vietnam veterans, some of whom plan to come from out of state.

"This parade is going to blow them all out of the water," Kocian said. And we hope that is the case.

Every war has its doubters and questions about its validity. But those questions and doubts should go toward the people responsible for the war, namely the government, not the individual soldier doing his part to protect his country. Soldiers rarely have control over where they go and what they must do, but they faithfully serve to defend their homeland.

Now, decades after the war ended, these veterans are finally getting the welcome home they needed so long ago. We encourage our readers to come out to this parade and show their support for these veterans. It may be late, but this could bring so much hope, love and healing if we will take the time to say thank you.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.