Over 200 FDNY Members Honored at Vietnam Veteran 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony

June 13, 2016

On Saturday, June 11, the FDNY honored over 200 retired and active members who served in the US Military during the Vietnam War. “To our most honored guests,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, “I say the simple words you have longed to hear, and deserved for 50 years to hear from your fellow Americans…Welcome Home.”

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is an initiative committed to honoring, recognizing, and thanking veterans of the Vietnam War for their brave service to our nation. FDNY is a Commemorative Partner, one of over 10,000 Commemorative Partners from across the nation who have held more than 6,000 commemorative events since the program’s commencement in 2012.

See more photos from the Vietnam Commemoration Ceremony

"This is an extremely important event. We're honoring veterans who served in the Vietnam War era, one of the most difficult times in our country's history. It's a tremendous honor to have retired FDNY members here today, as well as active members,” said FDNY Battalion Chief Steven San Filippo. “We're doing the right thing by welcoming them home after so many years have gone by." Chief San Filippo is a Veteran of the US Navy and the US Army National Guard.

All of the FDNY members honored during Saturday’s ceremony served during the Vietnam War in various branches of the United States Military. “You put

 your country before your own lives and then you did it for your city as well,” said Chief of Department James E. Leonard. “It’s an honor to stand before a group for which I have the utmost respect and gratitude,” added Chief Leonard.