Vietnam Veterans ceremony at Taylorville Legion tonight

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, in partnership with Taylorville American Legion Post 73 and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, will host a Vietnam Veteran pinning ceremony tonight to honor the service of Vietnam veterans and their families.

The ceremony begins at 6:00p.m. tonight.

“We join people across the nation to recognize Vietnam War Veterans and their families who served their country during a tumultuous time in our history as part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration,” said Director Terry Prince.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day, designated every Mar. 29, is a day to honor all the men and women who served and sacrificed. On this day, thousands of organizations from across the nation join to honor and thank over six million Vietnam War veterans and nine million family members for their service and sacrifice. They do this through various ceremonies and vigils where every Vietnam Veteran, surviving spouse or family member is properly welcomed home and receives a lapel pin as a small token of the Nation’s gratitude.

Remarks will be offered by a representative from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Post Commander Dean Ray (Vietnam Veteran), Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry and Colonel Robert Taylor, USMC (ret) will deliver keynote remarks.

The Legion Hall is located at 110 W. Franklin in Taylorville.