Lakewood Mayor Doug Richardson will proclaim April 2010 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Month," during the regular city council meeting, April 5 at 7 p.m.

According to a city release, cities and states around the country 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 passed a resolution earlier this year declaring March 30th, 2010 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 release stated.

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

Richardson noted that many of Lakewood's founding citizens such as the late Colonel Gerald Auger, the late Colonel Bill Kittrell, Mayor Emeritus Bill Harrison, Lakewood's first mayor and a retired lieutenant general, 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.  We have the best military in the world today because of our Vietnam veterans."

Vietnam veterans and friends are welcome to attend the Council's meeting on April 5th.  Refreshments will be served after the proclamation is presented.