Bevin grows emotional while honoring Vietnam veterans

An emotional Gov. Matt Bevin officially welcomed home veterans of the Vietnam War Wednesday in a ceremony attended by soldiers who fought in that war.

Some were in wheelchairs as the governor signed into law Senate Bill 178, which designates March 30 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in the Commonwealth” and a proclamation to declare Wednesday that day.

Bevin spoke before the signings. His voice cracked and grew silent on several occasions when he noted the sacrifices many of the veterans had made, especially the 1,103 from Kentucky who never came home.

Bevin, who was in the Army, later told reporters he grows emotional when he thinks about the contributions so many people have made for freedom.

He pledged to honor Vietnam veterans every March 30 throughout his term as governor.

Also on hand for the ceremony were Adjutant General Stephen Hogan; state Sen. Ernie Harris, who sponsored SB 178; incoming Kentucky Veterans Affairs Commissioner Norman Arflack; and deputy commissioner Heather French Henry.

This story was originally published March 30, 2016 at 3:06 PM with the headline "Bevin grows emotional while honoring Vietnam veterans."