Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen recognizes Vietnam veterans at proclamation signing

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Gov Jim Pillen honored Vietnam veterans Thursday at a proclamation signing at the State Capitol.

Veterans and survivors of veterans were presented with a specially designed lapel pin.

Pillen also signed a proclamation recognizing Vietnam War Veterans Day on Friday.

“We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for securing our peace and liberty,” Pillen said in a press release. “As we celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day, I’m especially thankful for those who helped to halt the spread of communism. Thank you to our Vietnam vets—and their families—for sacrificing on behalf of our great nation.”

Pillen was joined by John Hilgert, the director of the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The Plattsmouth High School Air Force JROTC served as the event’s color guard.

Nebraska is home to around 35,000 Vietnam-era veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Today was about thanking Nebraska’s Vietnam-era veterans, and it also provided us with an opportunity to talk to them about benefits and services, educate them on the myriad ways we can support them, and ensure they’re receiving the benefits they’ve earned, especially with recent changes through the PACT Act,” Hilgert said in the release. “We want to say ‘thank you’ in as many ways as we can.”