CONNEAUT LAKE – Local veterans of the Vietnam War period will be honored by the offices of U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA), state Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and state Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Crawford/Erie/Lawrence/Mercer) during a recognition ceremony at St. John’s the Evangelist Parish Center, 1001 Main St. East in Girard, on Thursday, March 28, at 10 a.m. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
The ceremony coincides with National Vietnam War Veterans Day. This federal day of observation was created by a bill authored by Toomey after former U.S. Army Sgt. Harold Redding, a Vietnam veteran from York, came up with the concept of the legislation.
During the ceremony, veterans will be presented with a commemorative pin from Toomey’s office and a medallion from Wentling’s and Laughlin’s offices.
To be eligible for the lapel pin, the recipient must be a living United States veteran who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces at any time from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of service location.
Robert DeSousa, who serves as Toomey’s state director and a colonel in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, will attend on behalf of the senator and will serve as the master of ceremonies. Laughlin and Wentling will also be in attendance.
Eligible veterans are asked to contact Laughlin’s office at 814-453-2515, email esweeney@pasen.gov or register at senatorlaughlin.com/vietnam-pin/ by Thursday, March 21.
