You could see the smiles and feel the sense of pride as dozens of Vietnam veterans accepted their medal of appreciation Wednesday morning.

It was a homecoming for the veterans that missed out on the first recognition ceremony held by Veteran Community Initiatives, back in November.

“Many of them, when they did first come home, did not get appreciated.  They had no parades.  None of them ever threw out a ball at a major league baseball game and it’s been many years past when they needed this recognition,” said the master of ceremonies, Bob Eyer.

For Allen Gyorko, the ceremony was more than just a time to be honored.  It was a time to reflect,  “USS Coral Sea was a huge ship.  We had like 4,000 people aboard the ship.  It was like a small city and you were like a family when you were out at sea.  Everybody stuck together.  Everybody worked together.”  Gyorko served in the U.S. Navy for eight years.  He was in Vietnam from 1973 to 1974.

“We owe you a debt and gratitude that can never be repaid,” said Congressman Rothfus in a video message.

At the ceremony each veteran was recognized, various speakers gave their thanks, and the veterans, like Gyorko, were able to take pride in their service and share their stories.

“It was nice getting together with all the veterans from the area.  I got to meet some people here that I never met before and it was really a lot of fun.”

The ceremony was for veterans who served during the Vietnam War from Cambria and Somerset Counties only.