Montana Representative Ryan Zinke told Vietnam war veterans in Missoula today that theirs was America’s "unsettled" war. Zinke presented 50th Anniversary Commemorative Vietnam Veteran lapel pins to dozens of vets at Rose Park's memorial.
"It was an unsettled time in our history, and when they came back they weren’t heroes. A lot of times they were disdained," Zinke said. "It’s different than today. Reflecting on the period, I think it is time we pay special tribute to our Vietnam veterans."
Zinke, a U.S. Navy SEAL veteran, handed out the lapel pins to local veterans who served on active duty during the Vietnam War years.
The pins are part of a national program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
He also presented pins to vets in Helena and Butte today.
Because he was on official congressional business, Zinke could not comment on any campaign-related matters, including his recent endorsement of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.