The City of Turlock commemorated the upcoming 50-year anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War by proclaiming March 29 as Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
Following the reading of the proclamation naming March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day in Turlock during the March 22 City Council meeting, those in attendance at the packed Council chambers gave a standing ovation in honor of the veterans.
"It would be nice if we got this welcome when we returned," said American Legion Rex Ish Post 88 Commander Wardee Bruce.
Along with the proclamation, the City held a ceremony at the War Memorial Cannon on Tuesday, recently relocated to Central Park. Community members were asked to remember Vietnam veterans by tying yellow ribbons around the cannon's fence.
"Turlock is a city that honors all of its veterans, but we want to make sure we specifically honor our Vietnam veterans as we commemorate the conflict on its 50th anniversary. Most Vietnam veterans did not receive the homecoming that they deserve, so today's event was a small way to say thank you for their commitment and sacrifice to our country," said Turlock Mayor Gary Soiseth.