Captured: Shot Down In Vietnam Homecoming, Part Four of Four
In this section, we review the long-awaited return to America, the White House celebrations, and the official honors given to the returning POWs.
U.S. National Archives
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Section 9: Operation Homecoming (2023-05) by Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, National Archives and Records AdministrationU.S. National Archives
The previous section discussed the conditions of American soldiers who were captured and held as prisoners of war within Vietnam. It also discussed the efforts of those in America working for the soldiers' return.
Walking Away (1973) by 428-N-1155667_001 and Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, National Archives and Records AdministrationU.S. National Archives
Operation Homecoming
Operation Linebacker II
At 10:00 pm on January 23, 1973, tens of millions of people across the nation sat in front of their televisions awaiting a broadcast from the Oval Office at the White House. The President assured the country that America’s POWs would soon be home. America’s longest war had come to an end. The POWs would be coming home.
Section 10: Dinner at the White House (2023-05) by Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, National Archives and Records AdministrationU.S. National Archives
May 24, 1973
A Hero's Welcome
With the peace agreement signed, planning for the return of the American Prisoners of War was underway. Dubbed “Operation Homecoming,” the President wanted to make certain the POWs received a hero’s welcome and that they and their families were given all the support they needed as they returned to normal life.
The First Lady hosted a reception for the spouses and guests of the POWs in the Department’s Diplomatic Reception Rooms. She, too, greeted each of the guests in a receiving line. The Nixon's daughters, Tricia Nixon Cox and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, along with the wives of members of the President’s Cabinet, spent time with the women as they enjoyed afternoon tea.
Section 10: Dinner at the White House (2023-05) by Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, National Archives and Records AdministrationU.S. National Archives
The Largest White House Dinner Ever
On May 24, 1973, the former POWs and their guests were honored at the largest formal dinner ever held at the White House. The Ground Floor, State Floor, and even the Second Floor – which is where the First Family lives –
were all open to the guests.
May 24, 1973, would prove to be a full and exciting day for the returned POWs as President and Mrs. Nixon honored them on behalf of the nation. The President opened his remarks by observing that over the course of his career he has spoken to many distinguished audiences, but that “[T]his is the most distinguished group I have ever addressed. And I have never been prouder than I am at this moment to address this group.”
A constellation of Hollywood stars provided the after-dinner entertainment. For all those present that evening, it was a night they would never forget.
The Vietnam Memorial and Washington Monument (1982/2023) by 3b950f46-7ba4-4697-80b7-b792eb024919HiResProxy and Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, National Archives and Records AdministrationU.S. National Archives
Thank You
Thank you for experiencing our virtual exhibit, marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam POWs' return. We hope you gained a deeper understanding of the events. To re-visit this digital exhibit click here.
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