SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – A National Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration at the South Hadley Public Library was held on Wednesday.

The South Hadley American Legion Post 260, South Hadley Sons of the American Legion, South Hadley VFW Post 3104 & The Military Order of the Purple Heart hosted a Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day recognizes the sacrifices that veterans and their families made during the Vietnam War, and it also recognizes veterans who served anywhere in the world from November. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29 as “Vietnam War Veterans Day,” and in 2017 that date was established officially and permanently by law, and was signed by President Donald Trump.

At the ceremony, there were light refreshments followed by veteran speakers and special recognition to the Vietnam veterans. The ceremony also honored those service members from South Hadley, Holyoke, and Granby with a wreath-laying ceremony.

This event also dedicated two new signs that will honor Vietnam veterans that will be placed on both sides of the South Hadley/Holyoke Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge that connects the two communities.

“We want to honor our veterans who did not receive that proper return home…and we want them to know how important they are to us,” said Brian Willette, National Sergeant-At-Arms, VFW Post 3104, South Hadley. “How important they were in my life…as veterans..and this is our way of saying thank you in public.”

The theme of Wednesday night’s ceremony focused on Post Traumatic Disorder. Willette says he hopes the country will continue to expand mental health services for all veterans.

For additional resources click here.