DAR Observes Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

The Effingham County Daughters of the American Revolution observed "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" on Tuesday.

The celebration originated with US Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald, who designated March 29 as the day to hold the observance since that was the last day US troops were on the ground in Vietnam. Secretary McDonald said it was a date to honor those who have "borne the battle", and to extend gratitude and appreciation to them and their families.

The commemoration includes the nine million Americans, approximately seven million of whom are living today, who served in the US Armed Forces during the period November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975.

Effingham Mayor Jeff Bloemker signed the proclamation for DAR marking the observance.