Ceremony recognizes Vietnam vets, 50th anniversary

Jason E. Silvers/Tribune photo Local veteran Bill Hall, left, receives a lapel pin. Presenting the pin is Fort Scott National Cemetery Technician Richard Wheeler. Also pictured is Matt Jones, center, keynote speaker for the event. Hall served on active duty with the U.S. Navy from 1959-1964.

A small group of people turned out for a brief ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Tuesday afternoon at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Keynote speaker for the event was Matt Jones, CMD, U.S. Coast Guard. Fort Scott National Cemetery Technician Richard Wheeler welcomed attendees and served as host for the ceremony, which also included prayer, a moment of silence and presentation of the colors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1165.

Veterans in attendance received lapel pins honoring and thanking them for their service and sacrifice, and also posed for a group photo at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Fort Scott National Cemetery honored the service, sacrifice and enduring achievements of Vietnam veterans during the 50th anniversary event.