YORK, Pa. — Friday marks 51 years since the last combat troops left Vietnam, and the White Rose chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America honored those soldiers in York County.
During the ceremony, each got a hero’s welcome long overdue.
"When we came home people didn’t notice," VVA White Rose Chapter President Bob Glatfelter said. "Or when they did notice, it wasn't nice."
Hundreds who fought for the U.S. in Vietnam were honored by their community and received lapel pins. Roughly 231,500 Pennsylvanians served in the Armed Forces during the conflict.
"My brothers and sisters, they deserve this," Glatfelter said.
Earlier this week, resolutions in the Pennsylvania General Assembly were adopted. The Commonwealth now officially recognizes March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day.
More importantly, a resolution was adopted to establish a task force on Agent Orange and other toxins. The goal is to study and issue a report on how best to connect veterans exposed to toxins to VA benefits for which they may be eligible.
"Agent Orange took Malachi Mason, Sergeant Malachi Mason," retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Wendell Burden said.
Burden, who was the keynote speaker, lost a friend he served with in Vietnam to the chemical compound.
He believes it's important to get veterans the help and benefits they need.
"Yes, there are many of them that have already passed, but there’s still many that are living with those same issues they received while they were in Vietnam," Burden said.
The annual event brings the veterans together too.
"It’s great to give them a chance to be honored and recognized, and to have people come and honor them," Glatfelter said.