Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Monday afternoon, veterans were honored at a Service Pin ceremony held by VFW Post 1638 and its Womens Auxillary. The ceremony was held at Assissi Hall at Bell Tower Residence and Ret. U.S. Army Colonel Paul Russell organized the event and served as guest speaker.
“Historically, we haven’t always thanked and recognized our vets for their service after they returned home,” Russell stated following the ceremony.
“I think it’s appropriate to do this in 2016 as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, where we didn’t recognize and thank our vets.”
The ceremony featured a presentation on veteran current affairs in Merrill and the service pin presentation to veterans, followed by a social with beverages and snacks.
A similar program and ceremony is scheduled for this afternoon at 2 p.m. at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill.