70 Vietnam Vets To Be Honored With Special Pin At Valley Forge

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — During a special Veterans Appreciation Breakfast, Rep. Warren Kampf (R-Montgomery/Chester) will honor 70 Vietnam veterans from Montgomery and Chester County with a new pin from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The event will take place on Friday, Oct. 28, at 9:30 a.m., at Valley Forge Freedoms Foundation.

“This honor is long overdue,” Kampf said in a statement. “Our Vietnam veterans came home to no parades and no honors. Many were forgotten and ignored at a time of much discord. Now, 50 years after the height of the conflict, the Commonwealth is saying thanks for your sacrifice.”

The pins are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

According to Kampf's office, under the rules established by the DMVA, the lapel pins are to be presented in a dignified manner to each Vietnam veteran during public events held in their communities by commemorative partners.

The honors are available for living United States veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, a press release states.

The DMVA requires accompanying remarks reflect the nation’s thanks for their service and sacrifice. In the rare instance when an honoree cannot attend a public event, the pin may be presented during a private ceremony, according to officials.

Kampf’s ceremony will honor one of the largest number of Vietnam veterans in suburban Philadelphia, according to his office.

The Freedoms Foundation is located on 1601 Valley Forge Road in Phoenixville.

Patch file photo.