LANSING — Sen. John Proos will host Vietnam veteran lapel-pinning ceremonies in Cassopolis on Aug. 18 and in Centreville on Sept. 22.

“Michigan’s Vietnam veterans served our country with honor, yet they were often forgotten when they returned home,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “In commemoration of the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War, I will be proudly hosting two more local ceremonies to give long-overdue recognition to Vietnam War era veterans and their families.”

The first event this summer will be at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at Cassopolis VFW Hall, 131 S. Broadway St.

The second ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds, 316 E. Charlotte St., Centreville.

“I invite all interested residents and veterans to come out and help us salute the enormous sacrifices and selfless dedication of our Vietnam veterans and their families,” Proos said. “We can never fully repay our veterans for the tremendous sacrifices they made in defense of freedom. Acknowledging this debt, these lapel-pinning ceremonies offer us a chance to honor our local Vietnam veterans and express our gratitude for their service.”

A Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin will be provided to any U.S. veteran who served on active duty at any time from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. The ceremony is made possible by the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. Information regarding the commemoration can be found at VietnamWar50th.com.

In February, Proos and Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kowall hosted a ceremony at the Bridgman American Legion Post 331 in Berrien County to provide commemorative pins to more than 250 area veterans.

Proos said that residents attending the ceremony on Sept. 22 at the St. Joseph County Fair will also be able to see the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial.

“The memorial is an emotional tribute that contains the names of more than 2,600 veterans from Michigan who lost their lives in the Vietnam War,” Proos said.