Veterans returned to Vietnam for the first time since the end of the war in the movie Where We Once Stood. Veterans featured in the film gathered with their families and fellow servicemen at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., for a first look at their stories on the big screen.
Vietnam veterans who attended the premiere told the Washington Examiner what they want the younger generation to remember this Veterans Day.
Vietnam veteran Buddie Joe “BJ” Penn attends the world premiere of “Where We Once Stood” in Washington, D.C. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 in Washington D.C. (Amy DeLaura/Washington Examiner)
" data-large-file="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B-Penn.jpg?w=1024" height="576" width="1024" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B-Penn.jpg?w=1024" alt="man smiling at camera" class="wp-image-4734571" style="width:440px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B-Penn.jpg 1920w, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B-Penn.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B-Penn.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B-Penn.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B-Penn.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
Vietnam veteran Buddie Joe “BJ” Penn attends the world premiere of “Where We Once Stood” in Washington, D.C. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 in Washington D.C. (Amy DeLaura/Washington Examiner)
“You have people that love you, they risk their life, they put their life on the line for you, and just want to be accepted as a another human being,” Navy veteran Buddie Joe “BJ” Penn said. “Veterans Day is always very special. It’s the one day we get recognition, and it helps the healing for us because it’s one day that everyone is recognized.”
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Jeffrey hopes the new documentary, narrated by actor and veteran advocate Gary Sinise, will help Vietnam veterans gain recognition and get the welcome they deserve.
“What I would like to say to the public is, when you see a veteran somewhere, extend a welcoming hand,” Jeffrey told Washington Examiner. “Tell them how much you appreciate them and their service, and tell them welcome home. Make up for what they didn’t get when they came home the first time.”
VETERANS RETURN TO VIETNAM IN GARY SINISE DOCUMENTARY SEEKING HEALING AND CLOSURE
Pam Swan is the vice president of military relations and business development at Veterans United, the mortgage company that produced the film.
Our country has to stand together and remember our veterans today, yesterday, and tomorrow,” Swan said. “I want Veterans Day to be remembered by everyone. Realize we owe it to our country and our fellow men to support the people that are keeping it the free country that we live in.”
Where We Once Stood will be streaming on Prime Video starting on Veterans Day.
Continue reading...
[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
