The Missouri General Assembly and the Missouri Veterans Commission honored Vietnam vets across the state of Missouri in the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday.
The ceremony commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, and invited veterans who served between 1955 and 1975.
Representative Allen Andrews led efforts to organize the ceremony and said that the state legislature has not forgotten about Vietnam vets.
“Unfortunately, to many of you here today, this will be the first time that you have been honored. This potentially may be the first time that you have been offered a sincere thank you for your service.”
Governor Mike Parson was the ceremony’s keynote speaker. He spoke about his years in the U.S. Army, and paid tribute to the 5,200 Vietnam veterans who are buried in the state of Missouri.