VA Boston Healthcare System

Vietnam War Veteran Lapel Pin

BOSTON, MA (March 27, 2018) – Vietnam Veterans from around Boston were honored during a ceremony held at VA Boston Healthcare System’s Jamaica Plain campus on March 26, 2018.

            In addition to more than 30 Vietnam Veterans and family members, was Francisco Urena, Massachusetts Secretary for Veteran Affairs, Giselle Sterling, Commissioner, Office of Veterans’ Service for the City of Boston and Vincent Ng, Director of VA Boston Healthcare System.

            The appreciation event is part of a nationwide effort to recognize the service of the men and women who served in Vietnam. The first Department of Veterans Affairs Vietnam War Veteran Commemoration Day, also known as “Welcome Home Day,” was celebrated March 29, 2017. The event today marks the one year anniversary of this day that calls for a celebration of Vietnam Veteran’s service that was previously unrecognized.

            “As a Vietnam Veteran it is gratifying to be recognized for service to our country during a time of unrest and lack of support for our troops,” said Jay Barrett, a Vietnam Veteran and a nurse manager at VA Boston Healthcare System. “Our experience has changed the way the military Veteran is welcomed home and honored and for this, I am grateful. To hold a ceremony of honor is greatly appreciated and demonstrates VA Boston’s commitment to our service.”

            The day commemorates those who served during the Vietnam War era from every branch of service.

            “It’s important that we honor and respect the service of these Veterans and to let other generations of Veterans know of their contribution. As time marches on we must keep at the forefront the service member; those Americans who answered our call and sacrificed for our country,” said Vincent Ng.

            A pinning ceremony followed the words of appreciation provided by Secretary Urena and Commissioner Sterling. Each Vietnam Veteran in attendance was provided a commemoration lapel pin proudly affixed to them by a member of the Joint Honor Guard.

            “It has been a long time coming but recognition for my fellow Veterans is important,” said Barrett. “Some of us joined the military out of a sense of honor and commitment, some of us were drafted, but we all served our country and its values and we remember those who are here in spirit.”

            After the appreciation event members of several VA services provided information on eligibility and benefits that are afforded to Vietnam era Veterans. For more information regarding these benefits please visit https://www.vets.gov/health-care/health-conditions/conditions-related-to-service-era/vietnam-war/