Rep. Nick Langworthy was in Chautauqua County this week to right that wrong.

On Monday, 179 Vietnam veterans gathered at Cassadaga Valley High School for a special pinning ceremony, where they received a special 50th Anniversary Vietnam-Era Veteran pin.

“Honoring our Vietnam veterans is long overdue, and it is a privilege to acknowledge the courage and dedication these individuals demonstrated during one of our nation’s most challenging periods,” Langworthy said. “Their sacrifices and those of their families have not been forgotten. Today’s ceremony is a small token of our immense gratitude.”

Before the pins were placed on the county veterans, Langworthy acknowledged that many of them were unfairly criticized. “Upon returning from Vietnam you faced a very divided nation and you often did not receive the proper respect and dignity and recognition that you had earned. As your representative in Congress, I am deeply proud to play a role in righting that wrong today,” he said.

Members of the Forestville American Legion participated in the Vietnam Pinning Ceremony hosted by Rep. Nick Langworthy.

Langworthy thanked the veterans for everything they did. “It’s your courage, it’s your dedication, and your sacrifice that are the very foundations of our freedom, and our way of life that we enjoy today in this great country. The values and the principles that you fought to protect continue to guide our nation, and for that we owe you an eternal debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid,” he said.

During his speech, Langworthy noted that 51 people from Chautauqua County died during the Vietnam War. “They left seats at empty tables for the rest of their families’ lives and they cannot be forgotten,” he said.

Of the survivors, Langworthy shared how many of them struggled with physical and emotional scars that lasted long after the war. “Despite those challenges you continued to serve your communities. You raised families. You helped bring up the next generation of Americans,” he said.

Langworthy said that supporting veterans is a top priority of his office. “It’s not just a policy position, it’s the right thing to do,” he said.

The circular pins have a bald eagle in the center with the words “Vietnam War Veteran” on the outside. Langworthy went over the details of the pins, saying the eagle represents courage, honor and dedicated service to the nation. The blue circle represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The laurel leaf represents victory, integrity, and strength. The stripes behind the eagle represent the American flag. The six stars represent the six allies — Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and the United States. “A grateful nation thanks and honors you” is inscribed on the back of the pins.

From left, state Sen. George Borrello is pictured with his father Anthony Borrello, a Vietnam veteran, Rep. Nick Langworthy and Dianna Borrello. Anthony Borrello was one of 179 Chautauqua County veterans honored by Langworthy for serving in Vietnam.

Langworthy said the pins are more than just symbols. “They represent our nation’s acknowledgment for your bravery, your sacrifice and your steadfast dedication to duty,” he said.

After he addressed the crowd, Langworthy personally placed a pin on each and every Vietnam veteran in the room.

According to his staff, he will be holding similar ceremonies in all counties throughout his district, including Cattaraugus and Erie, which will take place in August.

A total of 179 Vietnam veterans were honored during a special pinning ceremony at Cassadaga Valley Central School.

Submitted Photo Pictured is one of the commemorative pins that was given to Chautauqua County veterans to honor living U.S. veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of where they were stationed.