Viet Nam veterans honored

This picture of Vietnam Veterans was taken at the Bagley American Legion on Tuesday, March 29th. Gov. Mark Dayton has designated this date annually as "Vietnam Veterans Day". The occasion was a potluck dinner attended by Vietnam Vets and their spouses from Bagley, Clearbrook, Gonvick, Fosston, Bemidji and the surrounding areas. Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago.

Most states celebrate "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" on March 29 or 30 of each year. March 29 is viewed as a more appropriate date. On that day in 1973, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil. It is also the date President Nixon chose for the first Vietnam Veterans Day in 1974. Photo courtesy Joe Baron, Bagley