RETURN TO SEARCH
ID: TT-5425

Veteran Fights Back Tears When He's Surprised With Banner In His Honor

A Vietnam War veteran who never got a hero’s welcome when he returned home fights back tears as he is greeted by a banner of him erected in his hometown to honor his years of service. Ernesto Calderon, 76, never received a hero's welcome his family felt he deserved when he returned from the scarring Vietnam War, but, as he walked down the main street of Salinas, California, Erenesto caught a glimpse of a banner affixed to a lamppost. Initially, he had to double-take, stopping for second before admiring the banner, which featured a picture of him in military attire during service. The gesture made Ernesto then well up, fighting back tears. Ernesto entered service when he was 17, before heading to Vietnam for around three years – he was Infantry and when he came out he was sergeant E-5. According to his daughter, Maria, who helped plan the surprise, Ernesto suffers from Parkinson's Disease as a result of Agent Orange, as well as PTSD. The events of the war took a lot out of Ernesto, family members said, and it wasn't until years later he started getting the help he needed. Ernesto lost many friends in combat and knowing there had not been a homecoming parade for his service in Vietnam, Maria wanted to do something to thank her father for his service. She found out about Salinas Hometown Heroes, an organization that allows family members to submit applications for veterans to be honored on banners in the town. Maria applied on her father's behalf, and knowing that the banner was up, she and the family brought her father for a walk through Old Main Street, where the banners were hanging, on September 14.
Release Status:
TV & Digital
Advertising
* More Information
Location: Salinas, California, USA
  • Date Acquired: 10-05-2022
  • Date Filmed: 09-14-2022
  • Orientation: Vertical
  • Footage Type: Cell Phone
  • Rights :  TV & Digital, Commercial, Publishing
Tags:  veteran , hometown hero , hero , banner , vietnam , vietnam war , salinas , california

Veteran Fights Back Tears When He's Surprised With Banner In His Honor

Follow link below to enquire about a Custom Package
Order
*Sign In Or Sign Up for Instant Access*
Custom Package? Get In Touch

Veteran Given Hero's Welcome On Honor Flight

Couple Apart For Longest Time Since Vietnam War Reunited

Purple Heart Vet Surprised With Tribute Artwork On Truck Saluting Seven Lost Brothers

Vietnam Veterans Reunite For First Time Since Battlefield

Vietnam War Veteran Meets Daughter For The First Time In 50 Years

Veteran Motivates Students With Fist Bumps And Words Of Wisdom

Dads Channel Inner Superheroes At Six-Year-Old's Birthday Party

Daughter Takes Blind Veteran Dad On Rollercoaster

Ultrasound Student Stunned To Discover Sister Is Pregnant During Scan

Homeless Surfer Surprised With Van To Get Life Back On Track

Man Parodies Wildlife Documentary As Wife Shops Target

Thrift Store Owner Mom Finds A Military Surprise

Tony Squawk: Parrotlet Loves Riding Mini Skateboard

Dad Who Drove Car Without A Roof To Save Money For Family Surprised With New Truck

Two Color Cocktail Gender Reveal Announces Surprise Twins

Mom Has Double Reaction To News Daughter Having Twins

UPS Driver Rescues Dog That Escaped From House

Newly Vaccinated Son Records Surprise Reunions With Family After 14 Months Apart

Veteran Grandpa Battling Illness Insists On Standing To Welcome Navy Grandson Home

Emotional Veteran Surprised With Mobility Scooter

Four Year Old Caught On Security Camera Reassuring Sibling Things Will Be Okay

Siblings Surprise Parents By Paying Off Their Mortgage

Girl Reunited With Family After 10 Month Covid Separation

Sister Returns From Navy To Surprise Best Friend Sibling At School

Boy With Special Needs Excited To See Favorite Garbage Man

Stepbrothers Give Wholesome Best Man's Speech At Wedding

Man Escapes From Straightjacket While On A Slackline

Woman Surprised With Replica Watch That Late Mom Saved Up For

Soldier Deployed Overseas Surprises Best Friend On Wedding Day