August 22nd, 2022 – Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02) recently held a veterans pinning ceremony at AMVETS Post 18 to honor Vietnam veterans as part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration — a national 50th anniversary commemoration — authorized by Congress and established under the Department of Defense in 2012. The primary objective of the commemoration is to thank and honor our Vietnam veterans and their families, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the Nation.
"Vietnam veterans answered the call to serve. These commemorative lapel pins serve as a lasting token of long overdue recognition from a grateful nation." said Rep. Garbarino. "I was proud to host this commemorative pinning ceremony to honor our Vietnam veterans, and their families, in New York’s Second District and to make sure they know they have our profound thanks for their service."
Rep. Garbarino was joined by Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, Suffolk County Legislator Steven Flotteron, Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, and the Long Island Chapter Air Force Association in honoring our veterans during the ceremony hosted at AMVETS Post 18 in East Islip.
“May this ceremony, and many like it across the Nation, provide Veterans and their families with the recognition they deserve and let us remember and pay tribute to all U.S. Armed Forces personnel, including those held as prisoners of war, listed as missing in action, or whose contributions were made on the home front. On behalf of the community, the Town of Islip and the Nation, we thank you for your service and sacrifice,” said Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
Over 40 Vietnam veterans or the families of Vietnam veterans, including those who served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps, were honored during the ceremony, and presented with a commemorative lapel pin and Congressional Certificate of Recognition by Rep. Garbarino as lasting mementos of the nation's thanks.
The pins are embossed with a bald eagle, to symbolize the courage, honor, and dedication to service embodied by our veterans. The blue border and stripes represent our flag and signify vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The laurel wreath along the border represents victory, integrity, and strength. The six stars beside the eagle represent the U.S. and our five allies who served alongside one another – Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand. The pin is engraved with a message that reads, “a grateful nation thanks and honors you."
Living U.S. veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of the location, are eligible to receive one lapel pin, whether they served in-country, in-theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. Families of Vietnam veterans who have passed away are also eligible to receive a lapel pin posthumously. More information about how to receive a lapel pin can be found here.