FLORENCE — U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) held a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative Lapel Pin Ceremony at the University of North Alabama (UNA) on Friday.
UNA's Guillot University Center hall was almost to capacity, with over 400 people in attendance, 177 of them the Vietnam veterans who reside in Congressional District 4.
"These men and women served our nation with courage during a difficult chapter in our history, and many never received the recognition they so rightfully deserved when they returned home. These ceremonies are a small but heartfelt way to say 'thank you' on behalf of a grateful nation," Aderholt said.
Each veteran received a commemorative lapel pin authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense to recognize the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
UNA president Dr. Kenneth Kitts welcomed the attendees, and Chris Lawson of Aderholt's office offered a moment of silence for all the veterans who died in combat and in the years that followed.
Red Bay Army veteran Lee Page offered an invocation, warmly greeting his fellow veterans, "Good morning, veterans. I'm from a little old country town on the west side of Franklin County, the west side of downtown. I go to church about 40, 45 people. I'm not used to being a crowd this big. But I'll tell you what, I am glad to see my Vietnam brothers and sisters sitting here today. This is just awesome."
"I'm proud to be a veteran. More than that, I'm proud to be a Christian," Page said.
Before the pinning ceremony, Aderholt opened with remarks. He thanked his wife, Caroline, and his staff for their hard work in putting together these ceremonies, and also recognized and thanked the elected regional and state officials who were in attendance.
In his remarks, Congressman Aderholt recognized the veterans present in the room, while paying homage to the over 58,000 men and women who died in Vietnam, as well as those who made it home but passed away within the 50th anniversary time span.
"We remember those that, as was mentioned earlier in the prayer, who never made it back home," Aderholt said. "So, we'd be remiss today if we didn't recognize those that did not make it at home. We honor the many veterans that we've lost over the years since the Vietnam War because of health issues, because of health challenges, that were the direct result of the Vietnam War. And to the Vietnam veterans and their families, we appreciate your service, courage, and your sacrifice."
The family members of fallen soldiers and other veterans who died after their return to the states were in attendance to represent their veteran family member. These family members stood in their place to receive the pin in their honor.
"I know there's so many veterans, Vietnam veterans, during that time that were not given the recognition that were given. And certainly, I think this country owes an apology that all the Vietnam veterans for not giving each of you the recognition that you needed at the time," Aderholt said.
Aderholt continued, "So, today we say, 'Thank you.' And this pin that you will receive today is just a small, it's a very small token of our appreciation for what you did for this country."
"It's a lapel pin that I hope you will wear proudly, because I can tell you, we look back at history and we see that what you did during that time was something that was very important to fight against Communism, and then fight for the United States of America. So, thank you for doing that," Aderholt said.
The pinning ceremony was followed by a luncheon for the Vietnam veterans and their families.
Jennifer Oliver O'Connell, As the Girl Turns, is an investigative journalist, author, opinion analyst, and contributor to 1819 News, Redstate, and other publications. Jennifer writes on Politics and Pop Culture, with occasional detours into Reinvention, Yoga, and Food. You can read more about Jennifer's world at her As the Girl Turns website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
