Vietnam Veterans Honored in Toccoa

Stephens County gathers to honor the veterans of the Vietnam War.

Thursday, a ceremony was held at the VFW Post 4346 in Toccoa to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and also to honor those whose served in that war.

Georgia Department of Veterans Service Commissioner Mike Roby was on hand.

He said this is part of a statewide effort to remember the Vietnam War and its veterans.

“The Georgia Department of Veterans Service, along with the Office of Governor Nathan Deal, partnered with the Department of Defense for the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War,” said Roby. “We got with Governor Deal and said we would like to give our Georgia Vietnam Veterans something special.”

Every Georgia veteran with honorable service during the Vietnam War was eligible to receive this certificate of honor and lapel pin.

That includes veterans with service in-country and those who served in other capacities.

Roby said it is the least that the state can do to thank these veterans for their service.

“These are our heroes,” said Roby. “They paved the way for our current soldiers and did not get the recognition they so richly deserve. It is important for us to honor them.”

According to officials, more than 230,000 Georgia Vietnam Veterans were eligible for this certificate and lapel pin through this program.