ATLANTA -- In an emotional ceremony in the Capitol attended by several hundred people, Gov. Nathan Deal announced a new program Monday aimed at honoring the state's 234,000 Vietnam veterans with "certificates of honor."
"It was moving and memorable," said Atlanta attorney Cary S. King, 73, who served as an infantry captain in Vietnam and was one of many veterans handed a "certificate of honor" by the governor.
Max Torrence, a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and like King a member of the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association, said about 40 members of that group were among those in attendance.
"They risked their lives on our behalf and the least of what we owe them is respect and gratitude," said Pete Wheeler, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service.
Deal told the crowd that 1,584 Georgians died in the conflict out of a total of more than 58,000 Americans whose names are on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
"While we are saddened by their loss, our hearts are also strengthened by the fact that they placed country above self and answered the call of duty during a difficult time in our nation's history," Deal said. "Such valor inspires us to this day."
Deal announced the new program permitting all Georgia Vietnam veterans to receive personalized certificates of honor like those presented in the Monday ceremony.
The AVVBA hosted the event in partnership with the Georgia Department of Veterans Service.