50 years later, the last Vietnam POW to be released reflects on Williamsburg homecoming (Robert White)

It’s been 50 years this month since Robert T. White, the last Vietnam prisoner of war released, came home.

Part of his homecoming was a celebration on April 19, 1973, in Williamsburg, where his wife lived. Festivities were held on Market Square Green with a militia muster complete with a review of the troops. The mayor even gave him a key to the city.

Today, 50 years later, White will have no special celebration.

“Every day is a celebration,” he said in a recent telephone interview from his Denver home. Recalling his 3 1/2 years of imprisonment, the retired Army major explained, “I had — was in — a bad situation. Freedom is important to me. Other people may take it for granted, but I don’t. Every day, I appreciate life and appreciate being able to enjoy it.”

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