During the ceremony, each U.S. veteran who served between Nov. 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975 will be recognized, thanked, and presented a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. All elements of this lapel pin are symbolic, and the back is engraved with "A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You" indeed, it is a lasting memento of the nation's thanks for our Vietnam veterans and their families.