View a portion of the Ceremony by clicking on photo

The Nam Knights of America MC – Delaware Valley Chapter – recently became a partner of the Vietnam War Commemorative Program. The Program is designed for organizations to assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam Veterans and their families – by planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam Veterans and their families’ service, valor, and sacrifice.

The Nam Knights kicked off their new partnership by hosting the 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Congressional Ceremony at the American Legion on July 8, 2015.

Nam Knight members, Legion members, and friends (including our beloved Lt Col Bancroft), gathered together to watch our Nations Capitol pay respect to all our Vietnam veterans and their families for all their sacrifices.

The Ceremony was streamed live from Washington DC at the American Legion.

During the Ceremony, Defense Secretary Ash Carter and congressional leaders thanked Vietnam War veterans for their service and presented pins to dozens of veterans at a Capitol ceremony Wednesday that marked 50 years since U.S. ground troops arrived in Vietnam.

The Vietnam War taught Americans many lessons, “many hard-won, some difficult to swallow,” Carter said

“We must support our warriors, regardless of our feelings about the war,” he said, calling that a lesson “some learned the hard way in the Vietnam era.”

Carter and other speakers said they were gratified that “our troops today are welcomed home” and that veterans, including those from Vietnam, are often thanked for their service and appreciated by those back home.

Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, himself a Vietnam veteran, told the crowd  that he and other veterans feel a special bond. He said that he, too, is grateful that the nation’s attitude toward veterans has greatly improved since he returned from Vietnam.

Those who have experienced war know the truth, Hagel said: “There is no glory in war, only suffering.”

At the Legion, among the Vietnam vets in attendance, it was very emotional – bringing many memories to the forefront.

We were all grateful to see their service and sacrifices recognized.

The Ceremony was followed by a light buffet and comradery among members/guests.