The United States of America Vietnam War commemorative pin. Courtesy photo

VETERANS NEWS

Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, will hold a veteran pinning ceremony at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15 at Betty Ehart Senior Center to honor veterans who served during the Vietnam War period.

The pinning ceremony is part of an ongoing national effort to honor all Vietnam-era veteran military service members who were on active duty between Nov.1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, regardless of where they served.  These veterans are eligible to receive a Vietnam Veteran lapel pin at the ceremony.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was established in the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, highlight their service, and pay tribute to their contributions. It started with a presidential event at the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 28, 2012, and will run through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025.

Veterans will be presented with commemorative lapels at the event as a lasting memento of the gratitude of the nation. The lapel pin has an American Flag with an eagle on surrounded by a blue laurel wreath on the front. On the back, it says, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You”.

Veterans, their families and members of the community are invited to attend. Betty Ehart Senior Center is located at 1101 Bathtub Row.