DENVER—Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) hosted a ceremony to recognize and honor Vietnam veterans from across Colorado ahead of Veterans Day. Pettersen, along with officials from the Army and Air Force, recognized over 30 veterans and awarded them each an official pin from the United States government. This ceremony was a part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, which was authorized by Congress and launched in 2012, and aims to properly thank Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the nation.
“It is the greatest honor of my life to be able to recognize and honor people from my community, especially all the Coloradans who fought to defend our great nation,” said Pettersen. “Too many of our Vietnam veterans were not properly thanked when they came home, and that is shameful. There are not enough awards or accolades to show how truly grateful we are for the service of these brave men and women, but I am glad we could join together around Veterans Day to say thank you. Our veterans put everything on the line to protect our freedoms, and for that, we will be forever grateful.”
Over 30 Vietnam veterans or the families of Vietnam veterans, including those who served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps, were honored during the ceremony and presented with the commemorative lapel pin by Pettersen. The pins are embossed with a bald eagle, to symbolize the courage, honor, and dedication to service embodied by our veterans. The blue border and stripes represent our flag and signify vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The laurel wreath along the border represents victory, integrity, and strength. The six stars beside the eagle represent the U.S. and our five allies who served alongside one another – Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand. The pin is engraved with a message that reads, “a grateful nation thanks and honors you."
Click here to access high-quality, downloadable photos and video from the event.
Pettersen encourages any veterans or families of veterans who are eligible to receive this pin to fill out this form to be honored in the next ceremony she hosts. Pettersen’s office has helped hundreds of veterans in Colorado’s 7thCongressional District receive VA benefits, access lost or delayed medals, and navigate federal bureaucracy since she took office in January. She has also signed onto multiple bipartisan bills to expand benefits for servicemembers and provide critical resources to veterans, in addition to urging the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prioritize the construction of a VA clinic in Fremont County.
