RUMFORD — Vietnam veterans across the state are asked to participate in a celebration, remembrance and recognition ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at the American Legion Post on upper Congress Street.
March 30 marks the 40th anniversary of the day that the last of this nation’s fighting forces were out of Vietnam and returning home in 1973, Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, said in a recent news release.
“As I sponsored legislation designating March 30th ‘Vietnam War Remembrance Day,’ this is a great way to continue to recognize it with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of all the troops pulled out of Vietnam, including my brother,” Briggs said.
Gov. Paul R. LePage will also issue a special proclamation recognizing this 40th anniversary and Vietnam War Remembrance Day.
Briggs said Maine Adj. Gen. James Campbell will speak at the ceremony and Vietnam veteran and Maine Humorist Gary Crocker will share a little humor, as well.
Additionally, the state will present special 40th Anniversary Certificates to Vietnam veterans who register prior to the ceremony, Briggs said.
If the veteran or family would like to receive a 40th Anniversary Certificate, a simple application should be completed and accompanied by their DD-214 and/or discharge to receive the medal(s) and/or certificate, she said.
The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services or as it is better known, “Maine Veterans’ Services,” conducts periodic presentation ceremonies around the state. They provide an opportunity for the family and friends of veterans to attend a local ceremony to see their loved one recognized for their military service, Briggs said.
Maine has established a recognition program to honor the service and sacrifices of all Maine veterans. The recognition program includes honoring those who were wounded, POWs, or died in support of combat operations since the beginning of World War II.
More information on the program can be found on the Bureau of Veterans’ Services’website at www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/Honoring_Maine_Veterans.htm or by calling the bureau’s central office in Augusta at 207-430-6035.
The application form may also be picked up at the Mexico Town Office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, or by calling Rep. Sheryl Briggs at 207-364-5665.
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