More than 700 veterans that served during the Vietnam War were honored at a ceremony at the Cambria County War Memorial this past November. Organizers say at least 200 veterans weren’t able to attend, so they’re planning an additional ceremony to show their support for those who did not make the first one.
A certificate recognizing their service, a medallion, and an official veteran lapel pin will be presented to more than 100 expected Vietnam veterans from Cambria and Somerset Counties.
“It was a very divisive time and this divisiveness has started to heal somewhat,” says Tom Caulfield, the director for the Veteran Community Initiative Inc. “What we’re doing is recognizing our Vietnam era veterans that have been there since day one, 40 to 50 years ago.”
Caulfield is one of the organizers for this second ceremony. A Vietnam veteran himself, Caulfield served in Vietnam for 13 months. It was a proud moment for him. He wants all veterans to be able to share these memories of their own.
“It’s a great way to share a part of their history, which they lived and has not been documented in some cases.”
The ceremony will be held at the Hiram G. Andrews Center in Johnstown. It is for Vietnam veterans from Cambria and Somerset Counties only. Each veteran is permitted to bring their spouse or family members.
The ceremony will be held February 24 at 10 a.m. Veterans have until February 22 to register.
