By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
A truly heartfelt and emotional event took place recently that brought together veterans, families, and community members from all walks of life. The event, named “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans,” was organized by respected Tulalip elder and Vietnam veteran, Andy James.
Andy, now 69, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1975 to 1977 where he earned the rank of Private First Class. After returning home nearly five decades ago, he, like many others who served their country during the tumultuous Vietnam War, was not met with gratitude. Instead, they returned home to resounding hostility or even worse, spirit piercing silence.
For the past 12 years, he’s made it his mission to ensure that the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans are acknowledged, honored, and remembered. Since 2013, Andy has organized a veteran-led gathering at Tulalip to bring the Native community together with compassionate individuals and local organizations who wish to give those past warriors the welcome home they were previously denied.
“That first gathering in 2013 was achieved by word of mouth alone. I roamed around Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties letting people know what my intentions were,” Andy explained during the 2025 event, held at the Tulalip Youth Center. “That first year 40 veterans showed up. They were impressed, the non-Indians in particular, and shared with me they wished they had something similar in their respective communities. Most don’t get to experience the love our Indian people extend to our veterans and elders.”
The morning-long gathering blended traditional Native ceremonies with modern tributes. It opened with a smudging ritual and drum circle, followed by a 13-student color guard from Marysville School District, which included an honorary bugle player.
Chief Kathleen Wilde, naval science instructor for Marysville School District, led the color guard. “When we were invited to participate, the kids were very excited and considered it a great honor,” she shared. “It’s so important for veterans of every branch and community to be able to teach the students what it meant to serve and what it still means to serve our country. These lessons that only veterans can teach and share are invaluable. I’m humbled to be here and just so grateful that the students were included. This is something they’ll never forget.”
The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans events included tear-evoking testimonials from vets willing to share their experiences of war and their return, as well as intertribal dances, flute music, songs from two drum circles, and a communal meal. A true sight to behold was a solo powwow dancer fortified by a wolf headdress and full-bodied eagle staff. He summoned the warrior spirit within that shared space and managed to radiate healing medicine for all who needed it.
Andy emphasized that one of his goals was to use the event to share Native traditions with the wider community. “We’ve always had ceremonies for returning warriors,” he said. “This is our way of showing gratitude and helping the spirit return home. I want all people, all veterans, Indian and non-Indian, to experience the power of our culture.”
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Native Americans serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average, having the highest per-capita involvement of any other ethnic group. Yet, those stories are often left out of the broader narrative. Events like Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans aim to change that by platforming the voice and experiences of Native vets.
One of Tulalip’s oldest living tribal members, 94-year-old Hank Williams Sr., attended the event and praised Andy’s continued efforts. “This is powerful. Shows one person can bring us together,” the proud U.S. Army veteran (1952-1954 Korean War) said before taking to center floor during a ceremonial salute to vets.