On Veteran’s Day I strapped on my back brace and grabbed my cane, and walked to City Hall to join about 20 other Vietnam vets to march.

I wasn’t wearing camouflage, patched vest, or a Legion cap. I mingled until a vet introduced himself to me. When I told him my age, he commented, “Heck, you’re just a kid,” then turned away.

Other than two vets, one Tex and a kind ex-Marine named Ray, I was ignored, made to feel I didn’t belong. I almost left, but came back to linger behind them by myself. One handed out small flags to the others, he didn’t approach me.

The crowd was great. The parade was to welcome and honor Vietnam vets, but couldn’t make one of their own feel welcome.

I walked in the rear with, thank you, Ray. With my illnesses the march wasn’t easy and I don’t know if I’ll be able to next year, but I doubt I’ll be missed.

Sure compared to most of you, I’m just a kid. But when I was really just a kid in the early ’70s, it was welcome. Thanks brothers.

EDDIE TALLANT, Auburn