AUGUSTA — Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans and Emergency Management, and Gov. Janet Mills plan to host a public recognition and wreath-laying ceremony to honor the service of Vietnam veterans.

The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, rain or shine, at Capital Park, 20-45 Capital St., according to a news release from the bureau.

“Each of Maine’s Vietnam-era veterans made a sacrifice with their service; some of them with their lives and even others that we still search for today. For those that made it home and for those that didn’t, on National Vietnam War Veterans Day we join to properly honor their service,” said Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services Director David Richmond.

The governor and leadership from Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services will be joined by two honored guest speakers. Maj. David Hassan served in both the Maine and Florida National Guards and, after transitioning to active-duty Army, served in Army Aviation in Vietnam from 1968-69.

He is joined by Silver Star-recipient CCM Ron Brodeur, a gunner and crew chief that served with the Green Hornets. The men will reflect on their Vietnam service and speak about the importance of fellow veterans to be connected to the VA for their healthcare.

The Maine State Police Pipe and Drum Unit, which will provide music during the ceremony, consists of sworn members of law enforcement from the State and Biddeford police as well as civilian members from private and public sectors, to include Maine Professional & Financial Regulation, Maine Criminal Justice Academy, and the Department of Environmental Protection.

For more information, call the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-430-6035.

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