Vietnam Army medic Homer Miller was surprised with his medals during a special presentation at a luncheon for Vietnam veterans Sunday at VFW Post 7376 in Saxonburg. In attendance, from left, are Miller's granddaughter Hannah King, daughter Angel File, post trustee Gordon Mainhart, Miller, son-in-law Brian File, and post commander Barry Donehue, who presented the medals to Miller. Vietnam War lapel pins also were presented to each of the 17 veterans honored at the luncheon, which was hosted by the post's auxiliary in anticipation of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29. Submitted Photo

The service of 17 Vietnam veterans who are members of VFW Post 7376 in Saxonburg was celebrated Sunday at a luncheon hosted by the post’s auxiliary.

Darlene Geibel, auxiliary member, said the luncheon was planned to commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which has been observed each March 29 since the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by President Donald Trump.

A presidential proclamation was read, and each veteran received a commemorative lapel pin during the event.

The pin is bestowed on all Vietnam veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces between Nov. 1, 1965, and May 15, 1975.

A special presentation at the event saw Homer Miller, 81, who served in Vietnam as a medic, receive his various military medals in a shadowbox presented by post commander Barry Donehue.

The presentation of the medals was a surprise to Miller, who served in the U.S. Army’s 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division.

Miller’s daughter, Angel File, began the process of obtaining his medals last year.

Miller had sent his uniform and medals home when his stint in the Army was concluded, but only his uniform arrived.