Lycoming County proclaims March 29 as Vietnam War Era Veterans Day; officials and veterans speak at meeting

The Lycoming County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day and honored local veterans at a commissioners meeting, presenting the proclamation to local veteran Mike McMum and inviting veterans in the audience to stand for recognition.

The proclamation cites the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, notes the county's remembrance of service from November 1955 to April 1975, and identifies 43 Lycoming County service members killed or listed as missing in action. "This year will be the conclusion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Vietnam War era," Mike McMum said after receiving the proclamation, adding that because of incomplete records it is not possible to know exactly how many county residents served during the Vietnam era.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the proclamation as the county's public acknowledgement of the service and sacrifice of Vietnam-era veterans and a reminder that ongoing veterans'needs, including disability benefits and care for conditions tied to service, continue to appear in local Veterans Affairs offices.

Commissioner remarks and local officials Commissioner remarks emphasized gratitude and civic memory. Commissioner Scott Metzger (Chairman) called honoring veterans a top priority and urged residents to thank those who served. "If you see a veteran, thank them," Metzger said. Representative Joe Ham (state representative) told veterans, "we owe you a debt of gratitude. We'll never be able to repay. Thank you for your service." Matt Wise, district director for Senator Gene Yaw, sent the senator's regards and noted the senator is a veteran.

Veterans' accounts and concerns Multiple Vietnam-era veterans spoke at the podium and described wartime service and long-term health impacts. Al Saver said he fought in Vietnam and Cambodia and has since written a memoir that he shares with students; John Sherman described serving in the Navy and urged attention to historical nuance. Several speakers referenced post-traumatic stress and health conditions linked to service, including effects they described as related to Agent Orange exposure. "Men and women regularly file in for benefits for post traumatic stress disorder, disabilities related to the effects of Agent Orange, and residuals of combat injuries," McMum said.

Public reception and next steps After the proclamation, commissioners and veterans posed for photographs and veterans were invited to a reception at the county Veterans Affairs office on the second floor for refreshments and informal conversation. The proclamation text presented by the board names March 29, 2025, as the county tribute, and was signed by Lycoming County Commissioners Scott Metzger (Chairman), Mark Sortman (Vice Chairman), and Mark Messina (Secretary).

The meeting record also included several public comments about veterans' services and concerns about proposed staffing and funding changes at the federal level; speakers urged vigilance to ensure veterans continue to receive timely care. The record does not include any formal policy or budget action adopted at the meeting specific to veterans' health services.