On Thursday, August 9 the Minneapolis Veterans Home gave special honor to Vietnam Era Veterans. Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Health Care, Douglas Hughes and Minneapolis Administrator, Thomas Paul awarded all Vietnam era Veteran Residents with Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins and a proclamation from President Barack Obama thanking them for their service. The lapel pins are gold (copper), with a blue outer circle, Vietnam War Veteran is written in copper and the center features an eagle’s head embossed in gold (copper). To accommodate the Veterans, this ceremonial event traveled to them and took place on various floors of the Minneapolis campus. These men and women, although they might not all retain the memories anymore, were brave in their commitment to serve our country, and many risked their lives. 

The Veterans who accepted the awards felt humbled and glad to be appreciated. 

One Veteran, Dennis Anderson, when asked how it felt to receive this award responded with, “Dynamite, it is a sensational honor.” Another Veteran, Greg Knott, said, “If I had the choice to do it all over again [serving in the Vietnam War] I would do it again in a heartbeat.” 

The act of being formally honored was a first for many Veterans who attended, due to the fact that the Vietnam War had no true end date. The recognition ceremony at the Minneapolis campus was small but significant. Remarkable acts of service and valor took place during the Vietnam War and they deserve to be remembered and honored. 

Minneapolis Resident Dennis Anderson and Deputy Commissioner Douglas Hughes.