More than 175 Vietnam veterans honored in pinning ceremony
More than 175 veterans and their families were given a special ‘thank you’ in a ceremony hosted by Governor Pete Ricketts at the capitol Friday morning.
There ceremony included a proclamation signing and the pinning of commemorative Vietnam War lapel pins on veterans and the surviving family members of those who had lost their lives in the war.
“We cannot thank our veterans and their families enough for the sacrifices they’ve made protecting our freedoms,” Ricketts said. “Today’s event was not just about acknowledging the service and sacrifice of our state’s veterans and their families, but a reminder to all Nebraskans of what many have given to protect our way of life.”
Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert and Adjutant General for Nebraska Major General Daryl Bohac joined Ricketts to help present Vietnam War lapel pins to veterans.
“These types of events are just one of many ways our agency is working to reach out to more Nebraska veterans,” Hilgert said. “Today, we were able to thank some of our state’s heroes and give them a ‘welcome home’ they may not have received when they returned from Vietnam, all while having an opportunity to inform them of the benefits we can help connect them with. It really is a win-win on several fronts.”
March 29th is National Vietnam Veterans Day in America.
Living United States veterans who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, are eligible to receive one lapel pin. Special lapel pins are also available for surviving family members of deceased Vietnam War period veterans.
Taking time to thank our Vietnam War era veterans is simply the right thing to do,” Bohac said. “For those of us in the Armed Forces of the United States who have followed in their footsteps, we owe them a debt of gratitude. It is because of their service and sacrifice that we are blessed with amazing support from the American public.”
Nearly 400 Nebraskans died in the Vietnam War.
