Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C–Yorktown) and New York State Senator Pete Harckham honored nearly 20 Vietnam War veterans from the 94th Assembly District and across the Hudson Valley at the State Capitol this week, recognizing their service as part of the Legislature’s annual commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day, observed each year on March 29.

The New York State Assembly and Senate formally recognize Vietnam Veterans Day through a legislative resolution, and Slater and Harckham partnered once again this year to welcome local veterans to Albany and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve.

“I had the honor of welcoming Vietnam veterans from our community to the State Capitol to recognize their service and sacrifice,” said Slater. “It was truly meaningful to spend time with these heroes and thank them in person—your service will never be forgotten. Mission accomplished, welcome home.”

“Today we pay homage to the brave men and women who served in the Vietnam War, knowing full well that they served with tremendous courage and sacrifice,” Harckham said.

Nearly 20 veterans from the district made the trip to Albany for the annual event, which continues to serve as an opportunity for lawmakers to personally thank those who served and reflect on their lasting contributions to our nation.

Slater and Harckham said the annual recognition remains an important tradition to ensure Vietnam veterans—who did not always receive the respect they deserved upon returning home—are properly honored for their service.

Lu Caldara from Ossining, U.S. Marine Corps and USMC Reserve Gunnery Sergeant from 1954 to 1975, said, “This is always something to look forward to, to see our legislature in business. I thank Senator Harckham and Assemblymember Slater for putting on this trip and I appreciate them keeping their offices open to us down in the district.”

Skipp Baker from Carmel, a U.S. Navy radarman who served on destroyers from 1960 to 1964, said, “I appreciate the attention and recognition for service in the past and glad that my state officials have concerns for us and wish we got more from the federal government.”

Robert Everett from Yonkers, a U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class who served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967 in the 25th Infantry Division, said, “This is my fourth time on the trip and it’s really amazing hearing about all of the stories and work that has gone into the Capitol and into running the state. This trip is a reminder that we are part of what was and still is defending our country. I am a proud Vietnam Veteran and it is incredible to still be here living this kind of life and days like this remind us of our service and those of us who did not come back.”

Jim Mecca from Yorktown, a U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class who served between 1970 and 1972, said, “For Vietnam veterans, this day means everything to us. We can go back 50 years ago and see that no group of veterans were treated as badly as us. I was called a baby killer when I came back to Chicago and New York. I thought, what did I do to deserve this? It took over 30 years for us to get treated decently. Now the VA treats us much better in part because of us. This type of recognition means a lot to us, and we all look forward to it. We appreciate Senator Harckham and Assemblyman Slater for putting this trip on.”