FORT HOOD, Texas (KXAN) – A long-awaited, welcome-home celebration finally came for hundreds of Vietnam veterans who finally got a heroes welcome they thought they’d never live to see.

As the buses rolled up, an emotional crowd — young and old alike — awaited to cheer on these war heroes. This celebration was unlike any other in the history of Fort Hood.

“It’s unspeakable, really. It’s the greatest thing. It’s a long time coming,” said Bill Whitaker, attending the event.

“Today was great. It’s a lot better than it was in San Francisco; when we came back, it was terrible,” said Greg Scarr.

Monday’s event was the first of it’s kind in Ft. Hood.

“I didn’t think I would get as emotional as I did,” said Lt. General Don Campbell Jr. of the US Army. “Having had a father that served in Vietnam but to get the hugs and the thanks for those veterans that were out there today thanking me was worth every bit of investment that we did.”

Some of these veterans said they never thought they’d see this day come. They said that today’s event would help them find closure in their life.

“How come I made it and they didn’t?” asks Fred Del Rio. “Today has been very emotional.”

As he looks at the traveling Vietnam wall memorial, he said he can now try and move on from some long held resentments he’s carried much of his life.

“All the Vietnam veterans, we were hugging each other, saying ‘welcome home’ and guess what nobody did? Welcome us home when we got back.”

For others it was a time to put postwar experiences behind them and move ahead with their lives.

“I for one was spat on when I came back from Vietnam and this really makes a difference,” said Abel Whit.