Tahoma National Cemetery is hosting a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary commemoration ceremony to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War. The event is April 1 at 11 a.m., where all attending Vietnam veterans will receive a special lapel pin to reflect on the nation's thanks for their service and sacrifice.

Keynote speaker, Jim Martinson, is a Vietnam veteran who lost both legs above the knee in Da Nang in 1968. He started racing wheelchairs in 1976 and competed in numerous road races and track events. He was presented with the Washington Ambassador for Goodwill Award and the Distinguished Citizen Award. "Jim is a fantastic speaker," said Carolyn M. McKinley, administrative assistant and publicity coordinator volunteer for Tahoma National Cemetery. "He's a great guy to listen to and so upbeat. He's just amazing!"

Jim Martinson and cemetery director Thomas Yokes will present the lapel pins during a pinning ceremony at the main flagpole assembly area as part of the event. Eligibility to receive the pin includes those veterans who served on active-duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. The pin includes a bald eagle on the front, representing courage, honor and dedicated service to the nation. The blue circle and laurel wreath signify vigilance, perseverance, justice, victory, integrity and strength. The six stars represent the six allies who served, sacrificed and fought alongside one another: Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the United States. The message on the back reads, "A grateful nation thanks and honors you."

The event will also include more activities, such as a band, and a 21-gun salute with "Taps" to honor those veterans present and deceased.

It is unsure how many veterans will attend, but each and every veteran will receive a special Vietnam veteran lapel pin. "Last year, two hundred veterans were honored and we had so many veterans attend that we had to honor twenty-five more at a local church." The event took place last year but previously had been held every three to four years because the Vietnam veterans were never recognized when they returned from the war," said Carolyn.

Carolyn recommends getting there early and to bring your camera. "Parking is free and available if you come early, but is limited in the cemetery. Plan to walk to and from your parking spot to the ceremony.

More upcoming events at the Tahoma National Cemetery include a short ceremony April 6 at noon to honor the 100th year of entering WWI as well as a big Memorial Day celebration May 30 that will include a fly-over.

The event will take place at the Tahoma National Cemetery at 18600 SE 240th Street in Kent. To read more about the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary, go to vietnamwar50th.com. For more information, contact Thomas Yokes, Tahoma Cemetery director at 425.413.9614.