Congresswoman Claudia Tenney recognized 40 Vietnam veterans from the Finger Lakes region during a commemorative pinning ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post in Lyons on Friday.
Joined by several state legislators, including Sen. Pam Helming and Assembly members Marjorie Byrnes, Brian Manktelow, and Jeff Gallahan, Tenney awarded each veteran a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude for their service. The event was part of a national initiative to honor those who served during the Vietnam War.
“For many Vietnam veterans, the service and the struggles they endured went unrecognized for far too long,” Tenney said. “Today, we strove to right that wrong by showing them the respect, honor, and appreciation they have always deserved.”
The pinning ceremony is one of several events Tenney has hosted to honor Vietnam veterans in her district. In August, she held a similar event in Oswego County, recognizing 30 veterans. The initiative aims to acknowledge the contributions of veterans and their families, who faced significant hardships during and after the conflict.
State lawmakers present at the event also emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans, many of whom returned home without the recognition given to soldiers of other wars.
“For many of our Vietnam veterans, coming home meant quietly putting away memories of service,” said Helming. “But today, as you stand together, I hope you feel the strength of connection, with fellow veterans, your families, and all of us who honor you.”
Assemblyman Manktelow echoed those sentiments, reflecting on the lack of a hero’s welcome that greeted many Vietnam veterans upon their return. “When I think about the welcome these brave men and women didn’t receive 40 years ago, I am beyond heartbroken,” he said. “I applaud Congresswoman Tenney for ensuring that every Vietnam veteran receives the recognition and support they deserve.”
Assemblyman Gallahan, who represents the Finger Lakes region, also praised the event, calling it a meaningful gesture for veterans who may not have received proper acknowledgment in the past. “Many of our Vietnam veterans did not receive the hero’s welcome home they deserved,” he said. “The goal of this commemorative pinning ceremony is to give these veterans that formal ‘welcome home,’ and I could not be happier to be a part of such a special event.”
The Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, an official emblem of honor, was created as part of a national effort to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. It is awarded to living U.S. veterans who served on active duty in the Armed Forces between November 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, regardless of location.
Veterans at the ceremony were joined by family members, fellow veterans, and community supporters, with many expressing gratitude for the long-overdue recognition.
The ceremony is part of Congresswoman Tenney’s ongoing effort to highlight the contributions of Vietnam veterans in her district. Since taking office, Tenney has hosted several events to honor veterans, including roundtables and town hall meetings to address issues faced by those who have served.
For many veterans, the pinning ceremonies offer a chance to reflect on their service and share their experiences with others who understand the unique challenges of having served during the Vietnam era.
Congresswoman Tenney concluded the ceremony by thanking the veterans and their families for their service, noting that while the nation cannot fully repay them, events like these are an important step toward showing appreciation.
“Today, we honored 40 Vietnam veterans from our community with a small token of our nation’s gratitude for their selfless sacrifice,” Tenney said. “It was an honor to present these men and women with the respect they have always deserved.”
The event in Wayne County is part of a broader nationwide effort to recognize Vietnam veterans, who for years felt their service went unappreciated. The Vietnam War, which lasted from 1955 to 1975, remains one of the most controversial conflicts in U.S. history, and many who served faced significant challenges upon their return, including a lack of public support.
By hosting these ceremonies, leaders hope to provide a belated but meaningful tribute to the courage and resilience of Vietnam veterans.
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