The Syracuse Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1342, located at 307 W. Chicago St., will host a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day at 5 p.m., Saturday, March 23. All Vietnam veterans, as well as Gulf War, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea and World War II veterans and their families are welcome to attend the event.

The evening will include special entertainment, karaoke, prizes, food and gifts. Free new one-year VFW memberships for eligible veterans will be available. For free membership, please bring your discharge paper DD214.

On March 30, 1973, all United States troops withdrew from Vietnam. Due to the social and political climate of the time, many returning veterans met with criticism and even hostility, instead of receiving a welcome befitting the sacrifice they made for their country.

The United States Congress passed a resolution, signed by President Barack Obama, declaring a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” Although Indiana has not yet ratified this resolution, the Syracuse VFW Post 1342 is hosting this day to commemorate the sacrificed made by Vietnam veterans along with all veterans.

The post is a non-smoking facility that welcomes families and is located across the street from Rinker Boats.