Vietnam War veterans from Mid-Michigan receive commemorative pins

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - It was an emotional Saturday afternoon for Vietnam War veterans in Mid-Michigan, as they received an official commemoration of their service.

On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, servicemen and women gathered on the porch of the historic Turner Dodge House in Lansing to be presented with a special pin, courtesy of U.S. Congress.

One by one, veterans stepped up, received their pin, a firm handshake, and a warm “welcome home,” from representatives of the American Legion.

8th District Commander Gene Nethaway said it’s a phrase that Vietnam War veterans longed to hear when they returned to the United States, but for many, the words never came.

“We were met by protestors that ran us down about our time in the service,” he told the crowd of veterans and their family members.

“From this proud United States Army veteran,” he added. “I thank you and God bless all for the sacrifice you gave.”

It has been nearly 50 years since the war ended, yet Saturday’s ceremony was the first time some Mid-Michigan veterans received a physical form of thanks for their service.

“It feels good,” said U.S. Army veteran Archie Lake. “It feels like my service time was appreciated.”

Lake said he will wear his Vietnam War commemoration pin proudly. Though he was never sent to Vietnam due to an accident, Lake said he volunteered for service, entering the Army in 1964 and exiting in 1967.

Decades later, he is still volunteering, only now, it’s with local veteran’s organizations, helping his peers get the benefits and services they’re owed.

“In time of need, if someone needs and you can provide assistance, that’s something you do,” he said.

Among the collection of commemorative pins, one bore a different marking than the others; a pin offered to a family member of a veteran who has died.

“I accepted the pin for my husband, Jose F. Elias,” said veteran spouse Janice Elias. “He served in Vietnam.”

Elias said her husband died three years ago because of complications related to Agent Orange, a toxic chemical sprayed by the U.S. Military in Vietnam to kill of crops and foliage.

Elias said she knows her husband would have been proud to see servicemen and women finally honored for their service.

“He’d be so proud. He’d be so happy, he really would,” she told News 10. “He’d be so happy and I’m sure he’s very happy right now.”

Veterans who served anywhere, in any capacity during the Vietnam War can receive a commemorative pin before Nov. 11. They can find out how to get their pin by visiting the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration website.

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