OWEGO, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Tioga County Veterans Service Agency held a ceremonial luncheon for Vietnam Veterans and their supporters earlier today.

Veterans along with their families and supporters traveled to the Town of Owego Shared Services Facility to partake in a commemorative luncheon to celebrate national Vietnam Veterans Day, The Tioga County Veterans Service Agency wanted to remind the vets in attendance that their sacrifice is appreciated and welcomed.

They've all come a very long way. Veterans and family were treated to a luncheon following a ceremonial wreath laying in Owego today. The luncheon was organized by the county's veteran service agency.

"This is just a way to reconnect them, listen to them, hear about their experiences, give them an opportunity to share those experiences with us, and just to make sure they understand that they're never forgotten. We started out the day this morning remembering the 21 brothers that were killed in action in Vietnam from Tioga County who gave the ultimate service and sacrifice to this country. We started out the day remembering them first," said Michael Middaugh, a veteran and the agency's director.

National Vietnam Veterans Day has been celebrated since it's founding in 2017. Over nine million served in the war that was unpopular with the American public, especially during the early 1970s. While many Vietnam veterans never got the recognition they deserved after returning home, they're finding the community is much more supportive of their time in the service today.

"It's real great to be an American right now, especially a Vietnam vet, people just treat you like kings, I think it's awesome," said Don Cope, an Air Force Veteran of 20 years who was in attendance.

Providing outreach and service to former servicemembers and their families remains a priority task for those involved, "When a servicemember serves the whole family serves, and we want to make sure that the families and the kids are recognized as well. So we're going to do an ice cream social. We're going to make ice cream sundaes and just have a good time and have some fun," added Middaugh.

The Tioga County Veterans Service Agency is holding events throughout 2024, more information can be found on their Facebook page.