March 29 is “Welcome Dwelling Vietnam Veterans Day,” created to acknowledge a bunch of veterans who didn’t at all times get a heat reception once they returned from service.

“It’s at all times the best time to say ‘Thanks,’” mentioned Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Gianforte learn a proclamation marking the day and recognizing the roughly 36,000 Montanans who served in Vietnam. The Magpie Singers carried out honor songs throughout the ceremony.

Invoice Wealthy, commander of American Legion Put up 2 in Helena, delivered the keynote speech. Wealthy served two excursions of responsibility in Vietnam with the “Seabees,” the Navy’s Development Battalions.

“Vietnam was an expertise,” he instructed MTN. “It taught me numerous issues about individuals, it taught me issues about cultures.”

He mentioned he felt the response to Vietnam veterans like him starting to shift about 20 years in the past.

“I feel it’s getting higher,” he mentioned.

Wealthy is a Scout chief, and he mentioned occasions like this are necessary to present veterans an opportunity to share their experiences – particularly as a brand new technology grows up.

“I discover numerous instances the Scouts do not even perceive what we did and what their grandfathers did earlier than that,” he mentioned. “We’re dropping that perspective. If we lose our sense of historical past, we’ve misplaced numerous our nation.”

Because the ceremony concluded, state lawmakers learn out the names of Montanans killed whereas serving in Vietnam. Within the afternoon, the Montana Home gave unanimous approval to Home Decision 3, honoring the service of Vietnam veterans.