Sen. Pat Toomey visited American Legion Post 367, Fullerton, March 28 to speak about the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

The event began with the presentation of the colors by the Post 367 honor guard, followed by the pledge to the flag led by Jerry Lewis, the Post’s master-at-arms.

The national anthem was sung by Staff Sgt. Jessica Milewski, a vocalist with the 198th Army band.

Retired Maj. Gen. James Joseph joined Toomey in making remarks and presenting the veterans present with commemorative pins.

Toomey and Joseph spoke of the efforts to ensure veterans of this war are honored and treated fairly.

The Vietnam veteran 50th anniversary lapel pin includes the words “A grateful nation thanks and honors you.” Also represented on the pin is an eagle to represent courage, honor and dedicated service to the country; stripes to represent the American flag; a laurel wreath representing victory, integrity and strength; the color blue to match the American flag and signify vigilance, perseverance and justice; and six stars to represent the allies who fought alongside each other - Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the U.S.

Toomey thanked the partner agencies that assisted with the event, including Lehigh and Northampton counties’ Offices of Veterans Affairs.

The event was reportedly well attended by local veterans and their families.

“Too often, Vietnam era veterans didn’t receive the thanks they deserved,” Toomey said in a March 29 post on his Facebook page.