George and Mary Stolze of Kingsford, both Vietnam War veterans, bring a wreath to be laid at the veterans memorial marker in front of the Dickinson County Courthouse. Florists Linnea & Kristine of Iron Mountain donated the wreath in memory of classmates, a cousin and other family members, and all who served in the Vietnam War, said Denise Formolo, Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs service officer. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — A special recognition and “welcome home” event took place Monday to mark Vietnam Veterans Day, set on March 29 to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Vietnam War.

A social hosted by the Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs and its board kicked off the day’s activities at the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 in Iron Mountain.

“This is just one way to show our appreciation and properly thank those Vietnam veterans who were so badly treated when they returned home,” said Denise Formolo, the county’s veterans service officer. “We are giving them the ‘welcoming home’ they deserved.”

The event was open to all veterans and their families.

Commemorative Vietnam Veteran lapel pins — available to all living veterans who were on active duty in the armed forces at any time from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location — were given Monday to local veterans unable to get one at the 2020 picnic.

“It’s really my honor to be able to do this for our Vietnam veterans,” Formolo said. “This is small compared to what they have sacrificed.”

Then-President Donald J. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 on March 28, 2017, to officially recognize March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, Formolo said. The date was chosen because March 29, 1973, was when the last U.S. combat troops withdrew from Vietnam, Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war and the U.S. Military Assistance Command in Vietnam ceased operations. More than 8 million U.S. troops served in Vietnam during the conflict.

Veterans on Monday were able as well to visit information booths with representatives from Post 50, Veterans Service officers, Menominee River Habitat for Humanity and the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress, or UPCAP.

“This also provides an opportunity for these veterans to socialize at a safe place,” Formolo said. “For several, this is the first time they have been out since the pandemic (began).”

Nancy Pellegrini, Menominee River Habitat for Humanity executive director, provided details on Operation Shingle Storm. She said the program, which began in 2019, helps about 12 veterans a year with critical repairs, renovations or other household needs. She encourages any veteran who could use their help contact the Habitat office at 906-779-5377.

After the morning program, the group shifted to the Dickinson County Courthouse grounds for a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial to “those who were killed or died in service of their country.”