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City officials are asking residents to join them as they give their thanks and honor to Vietnam veterans this Saturday for the Vietnam Veterans’ Day ceremony.

The ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 29, at History Park at 2 p.m. on Atlantic Street in downtown Tullahoma. The event will be hosted by the city of Tullahoma, Tullahoma Parks and Recreation, American Legion Post 43 Auxiliary and the Tullahoma Chapter of NSDAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution).

“Since the beginning the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution has been a commemorative event partner and this year is no different,” Susan Harris, Tullahoma Chapter NSDAR’s Treasurer, said.

According to Harris, this year’s program will feature Tullahoma native Kenny Banks as the keynote speaker. Banks served two tours of duty in the infantry in Vietnam and is a Purple Heart recipient.

The ceremony will also honor all local Vietnam War veterans.

“We are hoping to have as many Vietnam veterans in attendance as possible and to recognize them for their service,” Harris said.

Since seating will be limited, attendees are encouraged to bring their own portable chair. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved indoors at the American Legion building at 109 N.W. Atlantic St.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day began with then President Barack Obama’s proclamation in 2012

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually on March 29 in the United States by proclamation of President Obama on March 29, 2012 as a way of marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. President Donald Trump would sign the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, which officially recognized March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a national observance that recognizes Veterans who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. March 29 was chosen because on March 29, 1973, Military Assistance Command-Vietnam was disbanded, and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam.