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Forty-nine Vietnam-era veterans and several surviving military spouses were presented commemorative pins at Redwood City's Veterans Senior Center last weekend.
The ceremony, hosted by the El Palo Alto Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, recognized Bay Area veterans in Redwood City's VVA Chapter No. 464 and a group of Dolphin Base Marine veterans.
San Mateo County Supervisor Warren Slocum, who served in South Vietnam in 1966, was the first veteran to be given a commemorative lapel pin at Saturday's ceremony. He noted that San Mateo County has made strides in providing essential services to veterans in recent years, particularly with respect to housing.
"There are 30,000 veterans in San Mateo County, and a lot of them need our help," Slocum said. "When I got elected, I decided that I was going to do something to help try to help those 30,000 veterans."
Slocum said he helped create a County Veterans Commission to promote programs and policies that address the unmet needs of veterans in San Mateo County. During his tenure, Slocum said a 40-unit housing complex for homeless veterans was built at the Menlo Park VA Medical Center.
Mike Lanier was one of the 49 veterans who was presented with a pin at the ceremony for his service as a medic in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He said he has a particular appreciation for events like these because he was met with mixed reactions when coming home from the war.
"Our fathers, mine included, won the second World War.. so there was, in my opinion, no real recognition of our service and sacrifice. On top of that, the Vietnam War became very unpopular," Lanier said. "I think it's important that citizens recognize that regardless of the outcome of the event, those who sacrificed should be recognized."
May is National Military Appreciation Month.
For more information about San Mateo County veteran engagement, and a calendar of upcoming events, visit the Veterans Service Office website.
