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Omaha, NE -- Soldiers who never got a 'Welcome Back' decades later finally will.  Tuesday, the City of Omaha will hold a special celebration for veterans who served during the  Cold War Era. 

Jim Murphy, Bill Ramsey and Jim Linkletter are on a mission to honor fellow service men and women.  Jim Murphy explained, "The Cold War Era Veteran is almost an entity that was never honored or recognized."

Soldiers like Bill Ramsey.   In 1950 Ramsey was in the Marine Corps when he was deployed to Korea and fought on the front lines. He was wounded in 1952 when an explosive device hit his arm.

1952,  the wounded soldier came home to Council Bluffs, home to an empty house.   Ramsey took the Greyhound Bus back to Omaha before taking a taxi cab to his childhood house.  His mother and Aunt had to work.  The key was under the door mat and no one was home.  Bill opened the refrigerator door only to find two cold beers.  The then 21-year old sat down at the kitchen table,  "had a beer and held it high alone all by myself and said I remember it well, 'Thank God I'm home and alive'."

Ramsey is like millions of other soldiers who served during the Korean War and Vietnam War.  They were deployed to a war torn place that many did not support.

Jim Linkletter was in the Air Force.  He said, "There was no real appreciation or even much gratification for those who served."

Jim Murphy was in the Army.  "Up until the mid 70's we were drafting people and telling them you should serve your country but don't wear your uniform," added Murphy. 

Ramsey learned places like South Korea actually honored them.  He returned to visit one of the many towns he once marched through, only to find it thriving.  He said the people built special monuments to pay tribute to he and his fellow comrades. "On the monument one of the things it said is 'We never forget the days, that the freedom fighters came and saved our land'," recalled Bill with tears in his eyes.

Tuesday night, it's Omaha's turn to say "Thank You" for your service.  Linkletter added,  "Anytime somebody says 'thank you' for a significant effort like that it sort of warms the heart and makes you feel a little better. and i think that's what it's about."

"We think this is a time you can wear your uniform, be proud of what you've done for your country and thank them for answering their call when they were asked," Murphy said with a smile.

It will be a tribute that the men feel is long overdue this Independence Day. 

The celebrations will begin at 5:15 at 10th and Cass and will end 3 blocks away at TD Ameritrade Park.   Due to the heat,  veterans are encouraged not to wear their full uniform.  The Omaha World Herald is hosting the parade.  For more information click here:  http://www.omaha.com/article/20120701/NEWS/707019920

Reported By: Liz Dorland, ldorland@action3news.com