Mundelein ceremony honors Vietnam vets

Congressman Brad Schneider handed out Vietnam Veteran lapel pins to more than 60 veterans Tuesday during a recognition ceremony at Mundelein's Memorial Park.

"We were very excited to have the opportunity to participate in what is being called the 50th commemoration of the war," said Schneider, a Democrat from Deerfield. "But more importantly, for me personally, to have the opportunity to express my gratitude for those of you who served. Let me say thank you for your service. And let me say, it's about time."

The ceremony was part of the ongoing Vietnam War Commemoration established by the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. It began on May 28, 2012, and will last through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025.

Mundelein will honor Vietnam veterans again Oct. 23, when Mayor Steve Lentz and the village board will host a recognition ceremony at village hall.

The 6 p.m. ceremony is open to current and former residents of Mundelein who served on active duty from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless if they were deployed to Vietnam.