PIERRE — Gov. Kristi Noem, in coordination with the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, is proclaiming March 29 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day.”

The governor and the department are calling on all South Dakotans to recognize the courage, service and sacrifice of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War.

More than 27,000 South Dakotans were called upon to stand up and fight. Of those, 210 made the ultimate sacrifice. Through the establishment of an annual Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day, South Dakotans can express their appreciation and honor the men and women who served during the Vietnam War by thanking them for their selflessness, devotion and bravery.

“This day is a well-deserved recognition for our soldiers who selflessly served during the Vietnam War,” Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, said. “We honor their courage and commitment to our country, and we thank them for their unwavering dedication to defending our freedom.”