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WILMINGTON – Some in southeastern North Carolina are celebrating early, but an act by Congress three years ago designated March 30 as Welcome Home Veterans Day.

Recently, Sen. Richard Burr announced a resolution in support of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day to be celebrated annually in the state. But the day is all about a welcome home reunion for all Vietnam veterans.

"It's like camaraderie with the guys that are here to say welcome back because we didn't have any parades or anything to welcome us back," said Vietnam veteran Richie Fiske.

Each one of them has a story to tell of their time in southeast Asia. Fiske almost died in an explosion while flying a helicopter for the Air Force.

"57,000-some-odd guys died in Vietnam, and I feel lucky to be alive. So it is a day of remembrance for them and a day of remembrance for me to say I made it safely back," said Fiske.

After close to 40 years, the veterans said they are now getting the greeting they have been waiting for.

"It's nice though, it is nice to finally get an honor from Vietnam 35 to 40 years later," said Vietnam veteran Duck McCambridge,

All United States armed forces are honored on Welcome Home Veterans Day.

"This is really cool to see a bunch of old dudes and stuff get together and talk about Vietnam, and it's nice to see the young people come out, too. The overwhelming support for our national and local military now is great," said McCambridge.