Write a commentCongresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY24) hosted a Pinning Ceremony to honor more than 25 area Vietnam War Veterans. The event took place on Friday morning within the walls of historic Fort Ontario.
In 2008, the National Defense Authorization Act established the United States of America Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Pinning Ceremony to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War for their selfless sacrifice from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975.
“Vietnam Veterans often returned home to a divided country and were not always given the recognition they deserved,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Today’s ceremony sought to right that wrong by offering a long-overdue acknowledgment and appreciation of their sacrifice.”
Vietnam War Veterans from all over upstate New York and their families were greeted by the Congresswoman, Assemblyman Will Barclay, Sidney Wheeler representing State Senator Mark Walczyk, Oswego County Legislature Chairman Jim Weatherup, County Clerk Terry Wilbur, Oswego Mayor Rob Corradino and Fort Ontario Site Manager Matthew MacVittie.
Representing the military was Lieutenant Colonel James Tom, Chief of the Director's Action Group, Vietnam War Commemoration. Lt.Col Tom addressed those gathered, speaking of the service and sacrifices made by those in the military and their families. He said that most who returned from their time in Vietnam never received the recognition due to the turbulent times at home during the wartime era, and that this Commemoration was an effort to give them the official “Welcome Home” that they so richly deserved.
The event was well-attended, with several of the honored bringing friends and family along on the historic day of recognition.
Congresswoman Tenney thanked all who were responsible for their assistance in organizing the ceremony, particularly the manager and staff of Fort Ontario New York State Historic Site for preparing the grounds so beautifully.
