U.S. Senator Gary Peters helped honor local Vietnam War veterans on Tuesday.
"It's nice to see public recognition of the service that was done during the Vietnam era," said Peter Vincent, one of the veterans being honored.
Sen. Peters presented the 50th anniversary commemorative lapel pins to Vietnam veterans at Lansing Community College. The ceremony is a part of a national effort to honor the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War from Memorial Day 2012 through Veteran's Day 2025.
"it's just an incredible opportunity to thank men and women who went into harms way, served us with distinction and with honor, and to say thank you," Sen. Peters added.
Sen. Peters also says we owe Vietnam vets for being the ones to shed light on mental health issues soldiers deal with when they get home.
"Veterans today who are coming back from getting treatment from PTSD injuries as a result of service in Iraq and in Afghanistan, they can thank Vietnam veterans for standing up and being a voice for them and that legacy lives on today and that's why it was so important to honor these veterans today," he noted.
Sen. Peters is a veteran himself. He served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy reserve during the Gulf War and following the 9/11 attack.
