For the second year, Gov. Sonny Perdue declared March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day in Georgia.

“Vietnam Veterans Day is an opportunity to recall, in the spirit of pride and gratitude, the heroic accomplishments of these service members who gave their lives and all those who served our country during the Vietnam conflict,” Perdue said.

The governor signed the proclamation March 12 in his office at the capitol with local veterans Wayne Watkins and Dan Pichon in attendance.

“We would have liked to have more of our guys there, but only so many people can fit in his office,” said Watkins, president of the Georgia State Council of Vietnam Veterans, which represents 12 chapters and almost 1,200 Vietnam veterans across the region.

Watkins, who is also a member of the local Vietnam Veterans Chapter No. 970, said the proclamation is a true honor to those who served and continue to proudly wear the emblems of their war.

“It means a lot to us that we have our own day. To finally see (the state designation) take shape, it really means a lot to us,” he said.

Georgia is one of 20 states in the nation to recognize Vietnam Veterans Day, although there is a push to try to get March 29 approved nationally.

E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.