Syracuse Sun

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and members of the Assembly Minority Conference paid tribute to Vietnam veterans at a special event held at the Capitol. Among the attendees were veterans Herb Hawker and Shawn Mills, both of whom have served their country with distinction.

Herb Hawker, a veteran who served in Vietnam and had a combined military service of 41 years in the Navy and Army, was one of the honored guests. Meanwhile, Shawn Mills, an Army veteran with experience at Fort Drum and in Uzbekistan, also received recognition for his service as the current Oswego County American Legion Commander.

The veterans were warmly welcomed with a luncheon and a tour of the Capitol, showcasing the appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication. During the legislative proceedings, a resolution was passed declaring March 29, 2024, as Vietnam Veterans Day in the State of New York, with a special acknowledgment to the attending veterans.

Each veteran was presented with an honorary pin as a token of gratitude for their unwavering commitment to upholding American ideals and ensuring the nation's safety. The event served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Vietnam veterans and the importance of recognizing their contributions to our country.