CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. -- It's the "welcome home" they never got. Dozens of local Vietnam vets filled UPJ's performing arts center Wednesday evening to watch a sometimes painful piece of history unfold.

"My feelings when I came home from Vietnam was that all I wanted was a little respect, and this nation didn't give it to us," said veteran Elmer "Snubby" Burket.

The documentary chronicles the stories from vets about what they went through when they got home from war. It's an ugly truth to our country that the vets said they are happy is finally being told.

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"Almost 40 years later, it took a group of kids from Northern Cambria to tell the really true story and get it right," said Burket.

The hourlong film is the result of more than a year of hard work from students at Northern Cambria High School. With the guidance of UPJ history professor Paul Newman, and the Coal Country Hangout youth center, the teens secured a $10,000 grant from the History Channel to make it happen. It's an experience that not only looks good on a college resume, it's also a life lesson the students won't soon forget.

"I had veteran shake my hand and to see the look in his eyes, you can't explain how much this means to them," said co-producer Casey Contres.

"By them doing this, I respect them," said Burket. "I am just so pleased with it."

The History Channel is going to take a look at the film and it may end up airing nationally.