Michigan’s Vietnam veterans served our country with honor, yet they were often forgotten when they returned home.

In commemoration of the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War, I will be proudly hosting ceremonies in Cassopolis and Centreville to give long-overdue recognition to Vietnam War era veterans and their families.

The events will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, at Cassopolis VFW Hall, 131 S. Broadway St. in Cassopolis, and at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds, 316 E. Charlotte St. in Centreville.

In February, Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kowall and I held a ceremony at the Bridgman American Legion Post 331 in Berrien County to provide a Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin to more than 250 veterans from southwest Michigan, who served on active duty at any time from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975.

At the upcoming ceremonies, I will be presenting Vietnam War veterans with this well-earned recognition.

The pins are made possible by the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, which was authorized by Congress and established under the secretary of defense as a way to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families in hometown America. For more information, visit vietnamwar50th.com.

I encourage all area residents to come out and help us salute the enormous sacrifices and selfless dedication of our Vietnam veterans and their families.

Residents attending the ceremony on Sept. 22 at the St. Joseph County Fair will also be able to see the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial, which contains the names of more than 2,600 veterans from Michigan who lost their lives in the war.

We can never fully repay our Vietnam veterans and their families for the tremendous sacrifices they made in defense of freedom. Understanding this debt, I look forward to honoring southwest Michigan’s Vietnam veterans for their service on behalf of a grateful nation. May God bless them and their families.

If you know of a Vietnam veteran who should be honored, contact my office at 1-866-305-2121 or by email at senjproos@senate.michigan.gov.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents southwest Michigan.