A mix of civilians and veterans gathered at Lakewood City Hall Monday to honor all veterans of the Vietnam War and celebrate the month of April as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Month" for the city of Lakewood.

Lakewood City Council Members Mary Moss, Jason Whalen and Mike Brandstetter, Lakewood City Clerk Alice M. Bush, Lakewood City Attorney Heidi Ann Wechler, and Mayor Douglas Richardson were present to preside over the special declaration. After the usual order of things for the town meeting, Richardson approached the podium to officially declare the month of April as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Month."

"The veterans of the Vietnam War deserve our recognition," said Richardson, whose brother served in the Vietnam War.  "I am very aware of how the veterans of Vietnam were received upon their return from war, and I invite the people of the city of Lakewood to acknowledge and thank all Vietnam veterans for their service to their country."

In honor of all veterans, local singer Ken Heath offered a song immediately following Richardson and the Council's declaration. Refreshments were served following the declaration, allowing time for residents, local high school students and Council members, and all others present to thank the veterans in attendance.

Many cities and states are belatedly recognizing the sacrifices and countless contributions of our Vietnam Veterans with a recognition day toward the end of March. The United States Senate recently and unanimously passed a resolution declaring March 30 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day."

The City of Lakewood chose to honor Vietnam Veterans during the entire month of April in light of the large veteran population in Lakewood. The last U.S. servicemembers departed Vietnam 35 years ago on April 30, 1975 when the American Embassy was finally vacated.

"We've done a good job welcoming our military home from Iraq and Afghanistan," Richardson said in a release. "Many Americans recognize that those who served in Vietnam never received that same recognition or gratitude."

Richardson also pointed out in the release that many of Lakewood's founding citizens such as the late Col. Gerald Auger, the late Col. Bill Kittrell, Mayor Emeritus Bill Harrison, Lakewood's first mayor and a retired lieutenant general, and many others were Vietnam veterans.

"Despite some stereotyping, these citizens epitomize the typical Vietnam veteran - people who came home from that war changed but still committed to raising families, serving their communities and moving the nation forward," Richardson said. "We have the best military in the world today because of our Vietnam veterans."