ATLANTA (October 28, 2015) | State Senator Valencia Seay (D-Riverdale) recently held a commemorative ceremony to honor Georgia’s Vietnam War veterans residing in Senate District 34 at Lakewin Christian Center International. Distinguished service members were awarded the Vietnam Certificate of Honor, a program created by The Georgia Department of Veterans Service in partnership with the Office of Governor Nathan Deal in recognition of the 50thanniversary of the Vietnam War.
“The individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting the freedom and liberties we hold so dear are truly real life heroes,” said Sen. Seay. “It was my distinct honor and pleasure to take part in this memorable occasion that recognized those deserving Georgians for their outstanding service to these United States during the Vietnam War.”
Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Sen. Seay officiated the ceremony that included presentation of colors, a performance of the National Anthem, and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Rev. Harry Riley, pastor of Lakewin Christian Center International, gave the invocation and benediction while members of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) were on hand to deliver Gov. Nathan Deal’s proclamation. Sen. Seay and George Canavaggio, Assistant Commissioner of GDVS, presented the veterans with their certificates of honor and lapel pins.
“We hope to eventually present every Georgia Vietnam veteran with a Certificate of Honor recognizing their service,” said Mike Roby, Commissioner of GDVS. “It is never the wrong time to say thank you to a veteran, and that is especially true for so many Vietnam veterans who were never properly thanked when they returned home.”
Every Georgia veteran with honorable service during the Vietnam War is eligible to receive this certificate. Veterans with who served in-county and in other capacities are also available for this esteemed honor. Each certificate is personalized with the Vietnam War veteran’s name, rank, branch of service, and a date of service printed over the Seal of the State of Georgia and includes the official U.S. Department of Defense’s Vietnam War Commemorative Partner logo. They are signed by Governor Deal and Commissioner Roby.
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