Veterans group protesting LZ Lambeau

GREEN BAY - A veterans group is protesting LZ Lambeau this weekend. In fact, many of the group members are Vietnam veterans.

Some say they started out supporting the idea of a welcome home, but now say they don't like what the event has become.

"Not at all. I think it may have been intended to (be a welcome home) but it took a different turn that went completely in the opposite direction," said Will Williams, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam in 1966 and 1969.

Williams is one of the faces that has been used to promote LZ Lambeau and a corresponding documentary by Wisconsin Public Television. Though, Williams no longer supports the event. His biggest complaint is that modern military equipment will be on display.

"The idea of welcoming home Vietnam veterans morphed into a promotion of militarism and support for the current wars and recruitment of young people," said Williams

On Friday, Williams participated in a protest of this weekend's events. It was organized by Veterans for Peace.

The group says LZ Lambeau is providing the public an incomplete picture of what the war was really like.

"They won't be presented with the lying politicians, they won't be presented with the power of the military industrial complex," said Buzz Davis, with Veterans for Peace.

The organizers of LZ Lambeau say the only focus is providing the veterans with what they did not get more than 30 years ago.

"A welcome return that they've not had before, but more importantly a 'thank you.' They didn't get that either ... Most of them," said Don Jones, an organizer of LZ Lambeau.

Jones said no recruiting of any kind will be allowed.

"This is about the veterans from Vietnam," said Jones.

Both sides want what's best for the veterans. Though some believe the sights and sounds of LZ Lambeau may be too much for them to handle.

"The only thing they're missing is that the helicopters aren't putting missiles into LZ Lambeau," said Davis.

Organizers tell FOX 11 there will be plenty of counselors on hand this weekend in case any veterans experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress.