Sen. Tonya Anderson to honor Vietnam veterans

Sen. Tonya Anderson (D – Lithonia), along with Big Miller Grove Baptist Church, will host a recognition ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans on Nov. 5, 4 p.m., at Big Miller Grove Baptist Church, 3800 Big Miller Grove Way, Lithonia.

Anderson and Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Service, Mike Roby, will present a State Certificate of Honor and Defense Department’s Commemorative Lapel Pin to veterans.

“I am thankful for the hard work of Big Miller Grove Baptist, the Office of Veterans Service and all of the volunteers who are dedicating their time to help us thank our Vietnam War veterans,” said Anderson. “This time of the year especially reminds us all of the immense sacrifice veterans make so that we may lead normal lives. I look forward to honoring and recognizing these men and women who worked hard to preserve our freedom and protect our nation.”

Roby said the veterans are deserving of recognition.

“It is never the wrong time to say thank you to a veteran, and that is especially true for so many Vietnam War veterans who were never properly thanked when they returned home,” said Roby. “We hope to eventually present every Georgia veteran with a Certificate of Honor recognizing their service during the Vietnam War.”

Vietnam veterans who are interested in participating in the ceremony can contact the Georgia Department of Veterans Services via email at bzeringue@vs.state.ga.us with their DD Form 214 attached or fax their information (name, address and phone number to 404-656-7006.  The information must be marked “Big Miller Grove C&P Ceremony.”

The deadline to sign up for the recognition program is Wednesday, Oct. 25.

For more information call Brian Zeringue, GDVS Public Information Officer, at (404) 656-5933. Interested veterans can also contact Sen. Anderson’s State Capitol office at 404-463-2598 with questions concerning the ceremony.