(Photo by Amber Phipps) Marietta Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Chairman Susan Hobensack pins the Vietnam War Commemoration pin on Robert Smith during a Veterans Day luncheon at the VFW Post 5108 on Tuesday.

The Veterans Day parade in downtown Marietta was cancelled early Tuesday morning due to the frigid temperatures and unexpected snowfall from the day before.

“We didn’t want to cancel it but I think it was a good call,” said VFW Post 5108 Commander Gene Venham.

The cancellation of the parade and the cold weather didn’t prevent local veterans from gathering at VFW Post 5108 for a warm lunch.

Nearly 100 veterans and their families gathered in the reception room to be recognized for their service. The lunch menu included warm soup, fresh sandwiches, drinks, and doughnuts from McHappy’s to enjoy along with each other’s company.

Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented 20 Vietnam War veterans with a Vietnam War commemorative pin as a way to recognize the sacrifices they made for the country.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) VFW Post 5108 Commander Gene Venham speaks about the importance of mental health awareness amongst veterans during the Veterans Day luncheon at the VFW Post 5108 on Tuesday.

“When the American soldiers returned home from World War II in 1945, they were greeted as heroes in the United States,” said Marietta Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Regent Patty Ullman. “But the homecoming was very different for most Vietnam veterans and they came back to find the United States torn apart by debate over the Vietnam War. ”

Ullman said those veterans had suffered mental and physical disorders and their service in that war was often met with anger.

The commemorative pin gives those Vietnam veterans an opportunity to be recognized for serving their country with valor, she said.

The pin was initiated through the Vietnam War Commemoration which was formed by Congress in 2008. Eligibility for the pin requires that a veteran served within the dates of November 1955 and May 1975 regardless of the location of service.

Ullman said the DAR partnered with the commemoration committee which grants them authorization to present the pins.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Washington County Veterans Service Office Assistant Executive Director Todd Farrar speaks about the importance of Veterans Day at the luncheon at the VFW Post 5108 on Tuesday.

Each veteran was called to the stage where they received their commemorative pin and a pamphlet detailing their service and the meaning of the pin they received.

Washington County Veterans Service Office Assistant Executive Director Todd Farrar said the values of the military unify the country.

“The military instills a core set of values; loyalty, duty, respect, civil service, honor, integrity and personal courage,” he said. “These values go beyond their time and service but continue to show in their community.”

Farrar said many veterans experience struggles when they come home from war and the adjustment can be difficult. The WCVSO provides resources and assistance for all veterans in the county.

“The stigma is that to ask for help is a weakness or a burden to others…too many have taken their lives due to the scars of war,” said Farrar. “This must stop, society must get better at recognizing the trauma and understanding it is a gradual process.”

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Veterans and their families enjoy a selection of sandwiches, soups and sides at the Veterans Day luncheon at the VFW Post 5108 on Tuesday.

Farrar said the county has about 5,000 veterans living in the area which makes up about 9.5% of the population. There are over 650,000 veterans living in the state of Ohio.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of this great country, we remember generation after generation that has stepped up to create and protect the way of life we enjoy or may not enjoy, but we are free to do that because of you,” he said.

Veterans Day is celebrated across the nation on the day World War I ended – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.