Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War with a ceremony last Saturday.
The cemetery honored the service, sacrifice and enduring achievements of Vietnam veterans during the event. Each Vietnam veteran in attendance received a lapel pin during a pinning ceremony.
Jim Martinson, a Vietnam veteran who lost both of his legs above the knee in Da Nang in 1968 was the keynote speaker. He started racing wheelchairs in 1976 and has competed in numerous road races and track events. Martinson founded Shadow Products, a sports equipment manufacturing company, and developed products like the Race Wheelchair for 10 kilometer, marathon and track events; the Kan Ski for water skiing; the mono ski for snow skiing; the basketball and tennis wheelchair, and other sports products.
Martinson spoke during the ceremony of how losing his legs was difficult and grateful because unlike the unseen injuries of war, losing his legs forced him to talk about the war. He encouraged all Vietnam veterans to find a fellow service member and talk about their experiences.
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