Since America’s founding, it has honored returning veterans like heroes. That is until American soldiers started retuning home from Vietnam.

Sunday at 6 p.m. American Legion – Tyner Ford Post 213 will host a ceremony commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War at the Vicksburg City Auditorium.

The ceremony and other events the post has held follow a proclamation President Barack Obama issued on May 29, 2012.

In a speech mandating the day as Vietnam Veterans Day Obama said, “You came home and sometimes were denigrated, when you should have been celebrated. It was a national shame, a disgrace that should have never happened. And that’s why here today we resolve that it will not happen again.”

In the proclamation the president called upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Although U.S. forces were involved in Vietnam beginning in 1954, major combat operations inside the country didn’t begin until 1965, and continued until direct military involvement ended in 1973.

However, the war continued until the fall of Saigon in 1975.

The American Legion Post 213 took the president’s call to heart and decided to honor Vicksburg’s Vietnam veterans.

The post organized a Vietnam Veterans parade in August 2012 and has held several other events.

“The president issued a proclamation for communities and military organizations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War,” post historian Michelle Stewart said.

“The organization then began planning and hosting events.”

“We got a committee together and decided to hold a ceremony and to raise funds to have a monument to commemorate their service,” she said.

“We raised around $3,500 and the community is really good at supporting this endeavor,” Stewart said.

Post commander Noland Smith said the 2-foot by 3-foot granite monument would be installed near the entrance to the American Legion so the legionnaires can show their appreciation to those veterans.

“It is nothing more than a thank you for those that are living and for those that have gone on, to say we appreciate all you did in the Vietnam War and we’re proud of the time you served,” Smith said.

An unveiling ceremony for the monument and flag disposal will follow the commemoration event at the post located at 1618 Main St.

Anyone needing to properly dispose of worn, frayed, or tattered flags can bring them.