BUFFALO (WBEN - Brendan Keany) - Congressmen Brian Higgins and Chris Collins made stops in Western New York on Friday to honor veterans on Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Congressman Higgins is honoring more than 100 veterans on Vietnam War Veterans Day. pic.twitter.com/mlB9gcLGjh
— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930) March 29, 2019
Congressman Collins passing out pins and certificates this Vietnam War Veterans Day. pic.twitter.com/ByHfdMeMYi
— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930) March 29, 2019Higgins joined the veterans at the American Legion Matthew Glab Post 1477 in Lackawanna.
"I think the turnout is indicative of the fact that these men and women have served our country nobly and honorably, and they came back and bore the brunt of a political situation relative to the Vietnam War that should not have been put on them," said Higgins. "So, whenever we can, we recognize their service individually and collectively, and the turnout is indicative of the justification we owe to these individuals, who in many cases, were ripped from their communities, they were ripped from their families and brought to a place they never heard of to fight a war that they didn't understand."
Collins was joined by veterans at American Legion Post 527 in Hamburg, and he echoed Higgins' sentiments.
"[Vietnam> was a conflict - the last one that we had where our military was frankly disrespected as they came home - an unconscionable act," said Collins. "Personally, that was my era, and every opportunity I have to make sure we are publicly thanking our Vietnam vets, something that did not happen in 1971, 1972 and 1973. Maybe that little piece today, giving them all a pin commemorating their service during the Vietnam era, along with a certificate, one from me and one from the President, I think is a small piece of acknowledging their services to keep this country safe."
Gary Stevens, a veteran, was at the gathering in Hamburg, and he believes it's a nice gesture to recognize the Vietnam veterans even if it is several decades too late.
"It's about time!" said Stevens. "It's about time, but I love it. When we got back, there was a lot of hostility toward us because of the politics of that era. But the men and women, and the people who died for this country, they should be respected. We wouldn't have a country if it wasn't for the veterans."
