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Humana Hosts Vietnam Veterans Pinning Ceremony
veterans 1 pix
A special celebration and recognition for Vietnam War-era veterans was hosted on Aug. 1 at the Stockton Ports minor league baseball game, with veterans getting the chance to meet Ports players and personnel, along with being honored on the field prior to first pitch. Photo Courtesy Of Kati Shultz

When Vietnam veterans returned to the United States after the war, they did not receive the same warm welcome many other veterans were greeted with. To remedy that, the Vietnam War Commemoration was established by the President and Congress in 2012.

The program commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, and aims to thank and honor Vietnam veterans. Humana, a leading health and well-being company, is a Commemorative Partner of the program.

To support and salute Vietnam veterans, Humana honored Vietnam-era veterans with a pinning ceremony held in partnership with the Stockton Ports. The pinning was held at Banner Island Ballpark prior to the Thursday, Aug. 1 game.

More than two dozen Vietnam veterans were presented with Vietnam War Veteran lapel pins. Those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, regardless of location, were invited up to be pinned.

The Humana-sponsored ceremony served as a “welcome home,” publicly acknowledging the military service and sacrifices made by these veterans, and their families, during the Vietnam War. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, nine million Americans served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War; approximately seven million are living today.

To reach the large numbers of Vietnam veterans, the Vietnam War Commemoration has enlisted the assistance of many thousands of Commemorative Partner organizations at the local, state and national levels to conduct pinning events and activities that recognize Vietnam veterans and their families in their local communities.

As a Commemorative Partner, Humana has been hosting pinning ceremonies across the country. Humana has a longstanding relationship with the military and is committed to the well-being of all veterans. As a longtime partner to the Department of Defense’s TRICARE program, Humana currently administers health benefits for close to six million active duty military and retirees as well as their families across 32 states. Through its Veterans Hiring Initiative, Humana has hired more than 4,400 veterans or spouses of veterans since 2011.

To find a pinning event near you, visit www.vietnamwar50th.com.