Underwood Invites Vietnam Veterans to be Honored at Upcoming October Pinning Ceremony

WEST CHICAGO—Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) invites veterans from the 14th District of Illinois who served during the Vietnam War Period to be honored at an upcoming October Vietnam Veterans Pinning Ceremony. In 2008, the National Defense Authorization Act established the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, highlight their service, and pay tribute to their contributions. The pinning ceremony is part of an ongoing national effort to honor all Vietnam War period veterans who served from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. As part of the ceremony, honored veterans will be recognized with a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin and Certificate of Honor.

"Our Vietnam Veterans Pinning Ceremony will look different this fall, but the coronavirus will not stop our important work to honor the serve and sacrifice of the veterans in our community," said Underwood. "I encourage Vietnam veterans and their family members to apply for this special honor."

The application to be honored at the upcoming ceremony is available at /vhp-form. Details for an October 2020 event will be released in the coming days. Anyone who applies and is unable to attend October event will be invited to a future pinning ceremony. If unable to apply online, the form can be emailed to Underwood.DistrictOffice@mail.house.gov or call Rep. Underwood's office at (630) 549-2190 to process an application over the phone. To be considered for the Oct 2020 event, applications must be sent by Friday, October 2.

To qualify, a veteran must have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location. There is no distinction between veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during this period. Veterans may be honored posthumously, and their families may accept the honor on their behalf.