Program to honor Vietnam veterans June 14

A program to honor Vietnam veterans with a commemorative pin is scheduled for Tuesday morning at the Depot.

The program, “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans,” recognizes the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

Halcyon Hospice of Philadelphia is hosting the program and will present the pins to Vietnam veterans and the spouses of deceased servicemen who served in Vietnam. After the program, hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served.

Similar commemoration programs are being held across the nation, providing the pins.

Living U.S. veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are eligible to receive one lapel pin.

“This is a special recognition,” said John Thomas, coordinator for Halcyon Hospice. “President Trump set this up in 2020 and it is a five-year program, commemorating the end of the Vietnam War.

“We encourage the veterans to share their stories of service,” he said.

Thomas said it is important to recognize Vietnam veterans.

“I think the nation failed all Vietnam veterans,” Thomas said, “I am too young to remember. But from what I have read, it was a trying time in our country. This is a way to make it right.”