State To Honor Vietnam Veterans

Georgia is planning to honor Vietnam War veterans in conjunction with the 50th anniversary commemoration of the war.

The Georgia Department of Veterans Service, in partnership with the Office of Governor Nathan Deal, has created the Vietnam War Certificate of Honor program for these veterans.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4346 Commander Ron Rider said that this applies to an estimated 234,000 Georgians.

“The state is issuing a Certificate of Honor and a lapel pin, which will be signed by the Governor and presented by (Department of Veterans Service) Commissioner Roby,” said Rider. “The award will be done in July here at the VFW in Toccoa.”

According to Rider, every Georgia veteran with honorable service during the Vietnam War is eligible to receive this certificate.

He said this includes veterans with service in-country and those who served in other capacities.

Rider said that he will be signing people up for this recognition on Saturdays between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. for the next several weeks.

“To receive this award, come down to the VFW on Saturdays,” said Rider. “Bring a copy of your 214 or discharge papers that shows where you were serving at and the time that you served. If you are in country, it says Vietnam. I will add you to the list and I will send the list at the first of July.”

Officials said each certificate the state awards will be personalized with the Vietnam War veteran’s name, rank, branch of service, and dates of service printed over the Seal of the State of Georgia. It will also include the official U.S. Department of Defense’s Vietnam War Commemorative Partner logo.

For more information on this program, call VFW Post 4346 at 706-886-2283 and leave a message on the voicemail and Rider says he will return the call.