The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
PINNING VETERANS WITH DUE HONOR
Daughters of the American Revolution Nathan Perry Chapter show gratitude to Vietnam War veterans at ceremony
Echos boomed throughout the halls of the American Legion in Amherst as veterans, friends, family and Daughters of the American Revolution gathered together for a pinning ceremony.
Vietnam War veterans were invited to be part of a pinning ceremony hosted by the Nathan Perry Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. Each veteran was presented March 7 with a pin and certificate gift bag.
The program was small and intimate with around 35 people total and around 22 of them being veterans. Robbie Brown, the regent of the Nathan Perry chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, said the pinning ceremony is something she treasurers.
“It’s about thanking them and their families for the sacrifices they’ve given,” Brown said.
For the veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Brown said it’s imperative to celebrate them and their service because she believes many of them didn’t get the welcome home they deserved.
“That war lasted so many years,” Brown said.
"The whole thing was so humbling. It was moving." — Jack McNaughton, an Air Force veteran
“And when the soldiers came home they weren’t treated with respect,” Brown said.
The pin features an eagle, blue circle, laurel wreath, stripes, stars and a message. Each element of the pin has symbolism according to Brown.
Some of the symbolism includes: The eagle represents honor and dedicated service to our nation; the blue circle symbolizes the canton of the American flag vigilance perseverance and justice; and the laurel wreath represents victory, integrity and strength.
Members of the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard were called individually to be recognized by each other and everyone else in the room. Brown said planning the pinnings is worthwhile and can make her emotional.
“It brings tears to my eyes every time, and I mean it from my heart,” Brown said.
Clark Bruner, the commander of Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard, said the organization is a family and the pinning ceremony was meaningful.
“I’m always emotional with this kind of thing,” Bruner said. “It’s an honor to be able to do this.”
Bruner received his pin in the summer before the rest of the guard and said the experience was also rewarding. “I was so shocked. I had no idea what was going on,” Bruner said. “But it was amazing.”
Jack McNaughton is an Air Force veteran who was honored with a pin during the ceremony. McNaughton said the whole ceremony took him by surprise and was a moving experience.
“The whole thing was so humbling,” McNaughton said. “It was moving.”
McNaughton said he and his comrades strive to appreciate and respect each other, and other veterans as well.
“We have a dedication to remember the sacrifices other veterans have made and the love they have for their country,” McNaughton said.
The Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard strives to make sure no veteran leaves without their military rights, according to Bruner.
“Doing this is the greatest honor I can have,” Bruner said. “Being surrounded by people that understand what we went through and what we do, the support. It’s just meaningful.”