Turlock Mayor Gary Soiseth and other area officials honored and thanked those who served and returned home and those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War during the city’s Vietman Veteran's Day Memorial and Honor Service on Wednesday.

"Our Vietnam veterans were not welcomed home in the right way," says Soiseth. "While I know it's almost five decades since the end of the war, I wanted to make sure all of Turlock's Vietnam veterans feel appreciated and honored."

The service included a 21-gun salute by the Honor Guard and bag pipes played by retired Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Francis. There also was an opportunity for all to write a sentiment on a yellow ribbon and tie it on the gate surrounding the War Memorial Cannon.

Lupe Avila and her son Tim Avila took the opportunity to tie four yellow ribbons to the gate around the War Memorial Cannon in remembrance of family members who served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

"President Donald Trump has now officially named March 29 as the official National Vietnam War Veterans Day, but I am proud that Turlock has been honoring these veterans even before this declaration. It's a great new tradition that I believe will continue to grow each year," said Soiseth.