ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Services were held Saturday morning to honor those who served during the Vietnam War.  March 29th is National Vietnam War Veteran's Day, honoring the service and sacrifice of all who served during the era.

"To all those men and women who served in Vietnam, I have two words to say. Welcome home, brothers and sisters. Now let us pray," said Joe Kopacz, a Vietnam Veteran and VVA 803 Chaplain.

Services at Woodlawn National Cemetery and Eldridge Park in Elmira paid tribute to the men and women who served during the Vietnam War Era.  Observed each day on March 29th, the date the last remaining U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam in 1973.  Now, its a day of remembrance and healing.

"It's to honor the valor, glory and courage of those who stepped up and went to Vietnam," said Larry Sherman, a Vietnam Veteran, and VVA 803 President.

At both ceremonies, there was a brief moment of prayer, and the placing of a wreath to honor those who served and the American lives lost during the war.  Also, to recognize the many who passed away from the effects of war, decades later.

"My brother-in-law was in Vietnam, and he passed away from complications with Agent Orange, so this is one of my ways to honor him, so it's very important organization, and I'm so honored to be a part of it," said David Christman, of the Chemung Co. Honor Guard.

Some 2.7M Americans served in uniform during the war, more than 58,000 made the ultimate sacrifice.  It's events like today that help ensure their memory lives on.

"We pledge to them through you that their sacrifices will be remembered, and to honor them we will work diligently for peace so that our children may know a world without war," said Kopacz.