Vietnam vets honored in ceremony

FLORENCE — Jimmy Roberts said the reason he served in the U.S. Army was because of his father, Herman Leon Roberts, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War.

Herman Roberts was one of more than 171 Vietnam Veterans who received pins Friday commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and to honor those who served during that time.

The pins were presented by U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama, at the University of North Alabama’s Guillott Student Center.

“It’s really an honor for me to welcome each and every veteran here for your service, but also your family, and those who came out to support you and have supported you all along the way,” Aderholt said.

The center was filled with veterans, many wearing caps bearing the insignias of their particular branch. Some veterans were accompanied by family members, some used canes or wheelchairs to receive their pins, and those who were deceased had relatives accept pins on their behalf.

“It’s a reminder that freedom is just one generation from extinction,” said Jimmy Roberts, the UNA Military Veterans Affairs coordinator, who served in the U.S. Army and was wounded during the Iraq war.

The audience applauded after each veteran’s name, branch of service and hometown were read.

Aderholt said he and his wife, Caroline, were discussing last year what they could do to honor Vietnam veterans on the 50th anniversary.