MOULTRIE, Ga. — The memorial wreath was laid, the Vietnam War Flag flew high and the torch burned at the Colquitt County Courthouse Square as local Vietnam War veterans, members of the John Benning Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and spectators gathered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Thursday morning.

Nancy Clark Coleman read a proclamation signed by the U.S. President and Congress recognizing the day as Vietnam Veterans Day.

Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution placed small American flags for every fallen veteran from the Moultrie and Colquitt County areas, as Gidge Taylor, the Veterans Committee chairman, read the names.

“There is nothing like a veteran,” Taylor said.

Veterans were asked to step forward to tell the area and branch they served in and one veteran couldn’t form a complete sentence, holding back tears as he tried to get his words out.

“Operation Chopper marked the first combat mission against the Viet Cong, the beginning of one of our longest and most challenging wars … 50 years after that fateful mission, we honor the more than 3 million Americans who served,” Coleman read. “We pay tribute to those who have laid to rest and we reaffirm our dedication to showing a generation of veterans the respect and support of a grateful nation.”

“The Vietnam War is a story of service members of different backgrounds, colors and creeds, who came together to complete a daunting mission,” Coleman read.

“It is a story of Americans from every corner of our nation who left the warmth of family to serve their country they loved.

“It is a story of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm’s way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear.

“They won every major battle of the war and upheld the highest traditions of the United States armed forces.”

Coleman said more than 58,000 laid down their lives in service to the nation.

“Now and forever, their names are etched into the faces of black granite, a lasting memorial to those who bore conflicts greatest cause,” Coleman read. “On today, we honor their proud legacy with our deepest gratitude.”

“Thank you for your service, your valor and your sacrifice,” Coleman said to the Vietnam War vets.