Dozens of retired service members came out to the Bakersfield Vet Center to attend the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day event.

Organizers of Wednesday’s gathering wanted to highlight the positive contributions vets have made to society, and Kern County Veterans Services director Dick Taylor says he welcomes the chance to show those soldiers in a good light.

Vets recounted their war experience in speeches and were given a rifle salute. Another Welcome Home event was held later in the day at the Liberty Bell.

Organizers plan to make it an annual tradition.

Kelli Forsch