Niagara Leader

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney held a Vietnam War Commemorative Pinning Ceremony in Wayne County, New York, where she honored 40 Vietnam veterans from the Finger Lakes Region. The event took place at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post in Lyons and was attended by New York State Senator Pam Helming, Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, and Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan.

Each veteran received a commemorative Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin from Congresswoman Tenney as part of a national initiative to recognize and thank those who served during the Vietnam War. This ceremony follows a similar event in Oswego County where Tenney also paid tribute to 30 Vietnam veterans.

Tenney stated, “For many Vietnam veterans, the service and the struggles they endured went unrecognized for far too long. Today, we strove to right that wrong, by showing them the respect, honor, and appreciation they have always deserved."

Senator Helming expressed hope that the ceremony provided a sense of connection among veterans and emphasized the importance of sharing their stories with younger generations: "Our younger generations need your stories, your wisdom, and your example."

Assemblyman Manktelow praised Congresswoman Tenney's efforts to ensure recognition for Vietnam veterans: “Today is just one of many days that we honor and recognize their bravery and heroism.”

Assemblyman Gallahan highlighted the significance of giving these veterans a formal "welcome home": “Unfortunately, many of our Vietnam Veterans did not receive the hero’s welcome home they deserved.”