Created: 11/9/2009 11:01:27 AM 
NAS JACKSONVILLE, FL -- About 200 Vietnam veterans were at the Naval Station this morning as Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) delivered an address to formally recognize their service.
The event, headlined by speeches by Crenshaw and Rear Admiral Tim Alexander, also featured a reading of Old Glory, a 21-gun salute and a playing of "Taps."
"Our Vietnam War-Era Veterans bravely answered the call of duty, but when they returned home, many did not receive the recognition that they so rightly deserved," said Crenshaw, a Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. "This ceremony is about shining the light on their service and formally thanking them for their contributions to our country."
Local Armed Services members from every branch of the military -- totaling 302 veterans -- were recognized in the annual ceremony, and those present were handed a certificate by Crenshaw and Alexander.
The Vietnam War is considered to have lasted from March 1961, until April 1975.
Today's event marks the eighth time Crenshaw has hosted the reception, during which time more than 2,000 veterans have been honored.
©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
