40 Vietnam veterans from the Finger Lakes Region were honored on Friday by Rep. Claudia Tenney during a Vietnam War Commemorative Pinning Ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post in Lyons.
Tenney awarded each veteran a commemorative Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, symbolizing the nation’s heartfelt gratitude for their service. This pin, an emblem of honor, is part of a national initiative to acknowledge and thank veterans who served during the Vietnam War. In August, Tenney honored 30 Vietnam veterans at a similar ceremony in Oswego County as part of her ongoing initiative to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War and their families for their selfless sacrifice.
“For many Vietnam veterans, the service and the struggles they endured went unrecognized for far too long. Today, we strove to right that wrong, by showing them the respect, honor, and appreciation they have always deserved. By hosting these commemorative pining events, I hope to convey our deep appreciation for the courage and resilience of these veterans. It was an honor to present these 40 Vietnam veterans from our community with a small token of our nation’s gratitude for their selfless sacrifice. Thank you to these individuals and their families for their profound sacrifice and unwavering dedication to our great nation,” said Congresswoman Tenney.
Tenney was joined at the event by New York State Senator Pam Helming, Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, and Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan.
“For many of our Vietnam veterans, coming home meant quietly putting away memories of service. But today, as you stand together, I hope you feel the strength of connection, with fellow veterans, your families, and all of us who honor you. It’s never too late to celebrate and recognize our veterans as heroes. Our younger generations need your stories, your wisdom, and your example,” said Senator Helming.
“This is a great opportunity to show our Vietnam veterans the respect and appreciation that they deserve. When I think about the hero’s welcome that these brave men and women didn’t receive 40 years ago, I am beyond heartbroken. I applaud Congresswoman Tenney for her actions to ensure that every Vietnam Veteran receives the recognition and support that they deserve. Today is just one of many days that we honor and recognize their bravery and heroism,” said Assemblyman Manktelow.
“I would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney for bringing us all together to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in service to our country. As a representative for New York’s Finger Lakes region, I have always been proud to recognize our Veterans and thank them for their courage and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we all so deeply cherish. Unfortunately, many of our Vietnam Veterans did not receive the hero’s welcome home they deserved. The goal of this commemorative pinning ceremony is to give these Veterans that formal ‘welcome home’ and I could not be happier to be a part of such a special event,” Assemblyman Gallahan.
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