Vietnam veterans from Banks and the surrounding counties will have an opportunity to take part in a public recognition of their military service at a certificate and lapel pin presentation ceremony in Banks County next month.
The event, hosted by American Legion Post 215, will be held October 13 at 2:00 in the Banks County High School Auditorium in Homer. The deadline to sign up is Tuesday, October 3.
Georgia Department of Veterans Service Commissioner Mike Roby will present Vietnam veterans who sign up with the State’s Certificate of Honor and the Defense Department’s Commemorative Lapel Pin.
“It is never the wrong time to say thank you to a veteran, and that is especially true for so many Vietnam War veterans who were never properly thanked when they returned home,” said Roby. “We hope to eventually present every Georgia veteran with a Certificate of Honor recognizing their service during the Vietnam War.”
Every Georgia veteran with honorable service during the Vietnam War (from June 1, 1954-May 15, 1975) is eligible to receive this certificate. This includes veterans with service in-country and those who served in other capacities.
Vietnam veterans who are interested in participating in the ceremony can contact the GDVS Central Office via email [email protected] with their DD Form 214 attached or fax their information (name, address, and phone number) and DD Form 214 to (404) 656-7006. For more information call Brian Zeringue, GDVS Director of Public Information, at (404) 656-5933.
Vietnam veterans may also receive this honor posthumously. Surviving spouses may receive the state certificate and a Defense Department Certificate of Honor and lapel pin as long as the required documentation (veteran’s DD Form 214) is presented with the sign-up application.
The state’s recognition of these veterans is part of the U. S. Department of Defense’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam War.
