A retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer from Canton spoke to the Lima Kiwanis Club about his journey leading up to and during his service in the Navy.

It was a morning of honor and patriotism at Shawnee High School as the district recognized its veterans.

Vietnam veteran Denny Glenn said the recognition is meaningful, especially for those who served during eras when returning home did not always come with appreciation.

“It takes a lot for somebody to stand up and say, hey, I'll serve now, and I'll go protect my people, my country and and when they do that and they come home, we need to say, thank you. Lesson learned from Vietnam era.”

The Honor Flight Dayton program provides veterans the opportunity to visit memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifices.

“What an honor and we thank them all for their service to our country.”

More information about the program can be found at honorflightdayton.org.

Local Vietnam veterans were honored this afternoon with a special welcome home — 50 years after the end of the war.