U. S. Rep. Derek Kilmer was at Ocean Shores VFW Post 8956 last Sunday for a Vietnam War Veterans Pinning Ceremony.

“Fifty years after the Vietnam War, too many of the 7.2 million living Vietnam veterans who served our nation have not been recognized for their service and sacrifices,” Kilmer said. “This simple pinning ceremony is a small way for our community to do something the nation should have done 50 years ago: say thank you.” 

The pinning program was established by the Secretary of Defense after that department received a 2007 directive from Congress to establish an official commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Kilmer is one of 10,000 commemorative partners nationwide who have volunteered to host veteran pinning events.

Kilmer’s office received assistance connecting with area veterans and organizing the event from the city of Ocean Shores and members of the City Council.

In addition to the pin authorized for veterans who served, the commemoration authorized lapel pins for former and living American military POWs, the immediate family members of American military personnel listed as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, the immediate family members for any veteran listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and surviving spouses of Vietnam veterans.