TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today met with the Governor’s Military Council and hosted a ceremony proclaiming today Armed Forces Appreciation Day and Vietnam War Veterans Day. Military Council members hail from across the state and discuss how to improve the quality of life for military members, veterans, and their families.

“As the daughter of a career Army officer, I cherish this ceremony because each year it gives me a chance to formally recognize the sacrifices our service members and their families make daily,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

Governor Kelly also honored Nobel Lathrom of Perry, Kansas, and Philip Preston of Olathe, Kansas, with the Kansas Vietnam Veteran Medallion. Lathrom served as a Sergeant Combat Engineer in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from April 1969 to April 1970. Preston was a Sergeant Security Force – Cobra Team in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from March 1966 to December 1969.

“Kansans have a long tradition of military service and of supporting the military,” Governor Kelly said. “It is my honor to recognize the patriotism of Nobel, Philip, and all Kansas Vietnam veterans.”

Photos from today’s proclamation signings and Vietnam Veteran Medallion pinning for media use can be found below.