Vietnam veteran John Williams, a Yelm resident and past commander of the town’s VFW Post 5580, received a token of appreciation for his service in the war on April 18.
He was honored and given a coin and pin during his “welcome home” ceremony.
Williams was unable to attend the official Welcome Home Veterans' ceremony at the state Capitol grounds on March 30, according to Jerry Fugich, who is the chairman of the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
The ceremony was intended to honor Vietnam veterans at the Vietnam Memorial in Olympia. Veterans, their families and the public were invited to attend the celebration at the Capitol.
After the ceremony, the veterans were presented with commemorative pins from the Vietnam War Commemoration Committee. Spouses were presented with Veteran Supporter pins.
Despite being unable to attend the event, those involved felt Williams should still be recognized for his service.
David Puente, director of Washington Department of Veteran Affairs, provided a Washington state Vietnam veterans commemorative coin and lapel pin to be present to Williams at this home.
“I’m proud that here in Washington, our legislative leaders passed a law in 2013 that recognizes March 30 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” Puente said in a media release. “While there is a National Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29, our state also commemorates the day Vietnam Veterans came home.”
Fugich and John Thomson, both Vietnam veterans and members of VFW Post 5580, presented the coin and pin to Williams on April 18 as they officially welcomed him home.
"It's a special time in the lives of Vietnam veterans when at last they can be recognized for their service," said Fugich.
He also thanked the governor and state legislators for their support of the men and women who have served and are currently serving in the military.
According to Fugich, the Veterans Legislative Coalition is comprised of 16 veterans service organizations in Washington. The organization worked to pass 12 bills related to veterans, active duty military members and their spouses in 2023.
