Debate Continues Over How To Welcome Home Iraq War Veterans

When the Iraq War was officially declared over in December, many cities and towns such as Tucson, St. Louis and Media, Pennsylvania held welcome home parades for Iraq veterans.

So many that Rachel Maddow called it "a mini movement." Maddow, a self-described military brat, then led the charge calling for New York City to have a traditional ticker tape parade down Broadway for Iraq veterans.

But New York's Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Pentagon say it's too soon for that, because many Iraq Veterans are still serving in Afghanistan. Some now worry that Iraq War vets will have to wait years for a welcome parade, like those from Vietnam did.

Tim Holbert, executive director of the American Veterans Center, which organizes the National Memorial Day parade, says his organization decided to "split the middle" in the debate over how to welcome home Iraq War troops. They have a special tribute for those veterans in Monday's parade.

"That's really what we want to do with this parade is to recognize the sacrifice. Not hold a rally of sorts, but something that is dignified and fitting and just make sure that this generation is recognized now for what it did," Holbert told Here & Now's Robin Young.

There will also be a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.