PA Vietnam Vets Honored For Serving Our Nation

DARBY BOROUGH— More than 30 Vietnam veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania were recognized for service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States at a ceremony Sunday at the Edward Bacon Recreation Center here.

The ceremony is part of an ongoing national effort to honor all Vietnam War period veterans who served from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, or their surviving family members. More than 6.2 million Vietnam veterans served our nation.

Five years ago, the federal government declared March 29 as National Vietnam Veterans Day.

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, a Swathmore Democrat, organized the ceremony and provided the pins and letter of recogniyion to veterans and their family members in District 5. The district comprises Delaware County, and portions of Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

“As the daughter, granddaughter, niece, and sister of veterans, I have a deep and personal respect for the sacrifices of those who served our country,” Scanlon said during the ceremony.”

“It’s one of the reasons why I now serve in Congress, and it’s why I am fully committed to making sure that we honor the great debt this nation owes our veterans — as well as current service members and their families.”

Scanlon acknowledged that millions of brave men and women served our nation during the Vietnam War, and sadly many did not receive the respect and recognition they deserved when they returned home.

“This ceremony was one small way for our community to honor those who sacrificed so much for our country,” Scanlon said. “It was my privilege to host Pennsylvania’s District 5 veterans and thank them for their service.”

The program included an invocation by Chaplain Justin Cohen, presentation of the colors by Civil Air Patrol Group 3 Color Guard Cadets, and reflections by veterans Media Borough Mayor Bob McMahon and Philadelphia jazz musician Leo Gadson.

A wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It's available on Facebook live here.

The United States of America Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Pinning Ceremony honors veterans of the Vietnam War for their heroic service and pays tribute to their contributions.

More information is available here.