Maricopa’s American Legion Post will host a flag-raising ceremony in honor of Vietnam veterans on March 29 at the Maricopa Community Center.

The ceremony, on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, will mark the 50th anniversary of the final American troops departing Vietnam.

“Being a Vietnam veteran, we didn’t get much respect when we got back,” said Thomas Kelley, a Navy veteran and commander of the post. “When we came back from Vietnam, there was so much going on that we didn’t really get welcomed back.”

Kelley noted the majority of post members are Vietnam veterans, so hosting the ceremony is both symbolic and significant.

“They’re proud of their service and they’re proud of what they did,” Kelley said.

Details: The flag-raising ceremony is 8 a.m. at 41614 W. Smith Enke Road, Suite 110.

For more information, contact the post at 520-233-2400, Ext. 2.

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