ROCK ISLAND, Illinois — The Service of the Quad City Veterans is being remembered, half a century after the Vietnam War.
The celebration on the Arsenal Island April 2 commemorated the 50th anniversary of the war. Guests released dozens of yellow balloons into the air, all in honor of the fallen Vietnam-era veterans buried at the Rock Island National Cemetery.
"Our military veterans ought to always be treated with honor, gratitude, and respect. We live in a violent world, and there are people who want to take America down because of who we are and what we stand for," said Maj. Lynn Lowder, U.S. Marine Corps.
The ceremony also included a rifle salute and wreath presentation. All Vietnam War veterans received a lap pin, as well.