When Alex Hernandez returned home from Vietnam, he was not expecting the welcome –or unwelcome– home he received. After stepping off the plane in San Francisco, Alex was kicked in the leg by a child who yelled, “Baby killer!” The boy’s parents stood laughing in the background. In this segment, Alex shares his return story—including a time he was sure he would not make it home. Years later, as Alex has taken steps in his life to overcome the trauma Vietnam brought him, he has something he wants to tell that boy in San Francisco who he never forgot.
Featured image: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) with Alex Hernandez, 2015
This story broke my heart. I am a “Latina Gringa” currently working in Abu Dhabi and I reside in San Jose CA. I love listening to my Latina USA Podcasts while here. Mr. Hernandez’ story was so heartfelt and sincere. He truly made me feel the pain that his welcome home caused and his forgiveness of the young boy is exemplary. This was not one of America’s finest moments and after all of these years, a man’s story can effect me all the way across the World. Gracias Senor Hernandez for your service that you gave in Vietnam before and are still giving today back home.
Well done