U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-6th District, and local veterans took part in a ceremony honoring veterans of the Vietnam War with pins at the American Legion Monday night.
Dozens streamed in from the heavy rain as veterans of the conflict came up one by one to receive recognition, thanks and a commemorative pin from Kilmer and from County Commissioner Jill Warne.
“Part of my job here tonight is not just to give you a pin but to thank you, to thank you for your service and thank you for your sacrifice,” Kilmer said. “We got to back up our gratitude with action. In the home of the free and land of the brave, every service member should have a home. And it shouldn’t be under a freeway overpass.”
Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer speaks to veterans and members of the community at the American Legion in Aberdeen.
The recognition comes as part of a movement to recognize veterans of that years-long conflict, which generated deeply conflicted public opinion at home and abroad at the time and now.
“My father was a Vietnam veteran. I feel like they didn’t get the recognition they deserved coming home,” said Gwyn Tarrence, a Marine veteran and post commander of American Legion Post 5. “This is a little peace we can offer them now.”
County Commissioner Jill Warne addresses the crowd at the American Legion in Aberdeen. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)
Dozens of veterans turned out for the event, while others claimed pins for family or friends who were veterans of the war but weren’t able to make it.
“For many, the recognition is very late coming but I’m so happy to be a part of honoring our Vietnam veterans,” Warne said. “It was a wonderful turnout and a very special time with these veterans and their families.”
Kilmer was expansive in his praise for those that served, staying long after the event wrapped up to speak with the veterans there, Tarrence said.
Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer and County Commissioner Jill Warne talk to Marine veteran Tom E. Davis, left, at the American Legion in Aberdeen during a pinning ceremony.
“I’m conscious of the fact that our country is stronger and safer because of those who serve,” Kilmer said in an email. “And we know that folks who served during the Vietnam War era often didn’t get the respect and gratitude they deserve. It’s never too late to say thanks.”
Kilmer said it was stirring to see the community support its veterans.
“It is inspiring to see how folks in this community show up on behalf of our veterans. There’s a patriotism and pride that’s really inspiring,” Kilmer said. “One of the attendees told me after the event, ‘My face hurts from smiling so much.’ I felt the same way.”
Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer and the American Legion in Aberdeen hosted a pinning ceremony for Vietnam veterans on July 24.
The representative took the opportunity to talk about the specialist in his office whose job was specifically to help veterans having issues with benefits, the Veterans Affairs Administration, or other agencies.
“It’s some of the coolest work we get to do,” Kilmer said. “We can’t solve problems we don’t know about.”
Tarrence also offered any help she could for veterans struggling to work with government agencies as an ombudsman for the Veteran Relief Program at veteranrelief@graysharbor.us or 360-660-2640.
Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.
U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer addresses the crowd at the American Legion in Aberdeen. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)
Post Commander Gwyn Tarrence addresses the crowd at the American Legion in Aberdeen during a pinning ceremony for Vietnam veterans. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)
