CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today celebrated Veterans Day with West Virginia veterans during an event in Charleston. During the event, Vietnam Veterans were presented with ‘Welcome Home’ pins. Veterans and their family members were also able to inquire about services Senator Capito’s office offers exclusively to veterans.
“For these Vietnam veterans who had not received the proper homecoming they deserved, I hope today feels like the closing of that chapter,” Senator Capito said. “West Virginia is home to thousands of veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. Today is the day designated to honor them, but my wish is that veterans always feel appreciated. The ‘Welcome Home’ pin is a small, special reminder that we do appreciate all our veterans have done to secure the freedoms we enjoy every day.”
BACKGROUND:
The official ‘Welcome Home’ pin is provided by the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration and was designed in 2012 by the Obama administration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The desire to ensure that every Vietnam veteran is formally thanked for their service and welcomed home has been continued by the Trump administration. With each pin presentation the veteran is given a proclamation from the President, explaining the pin, his designation of March 29th as a National Holiday to commemorate Vietnam veterans each year and thanking them for their service.
The Vietnam War Commemoration is overseen by the Department of Defense (DoD) and to be able to present these pins you have to apply to be a “commemorative partner.” Senator Capito is the only member in the West Virginia delegation offering this pin.
Living United States veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955, through May 15, 1975, regardless of location are eligible to receive a lapel pin.
“A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You” is embossed on the back of the pin, closest to the heart of the wearer. Also, the official name of the Commemoration is included to remind each veteran that this is a national initiative, and this lapel pin is the nation’s lasting memento of thanks.
Senator Capito talks with Vietnam veteran Charles B. Artrip, Sr., at the pinning.
Senator Capito mingles with veterans and their families during the pinning event.
Senator Capito and EDA Assistant Secretary John Fleming with veteran John McSweeney.
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