During the United States 50th Anniversary Commemorative Vietnam War Pinning Ceremony led by Assistant Speaker Ben R. Lujan Friday evening at Northern New Mexico College, a Moment of Silence is held for the POW ‘empty chair’ recognition led by American Legion Post 17 Commander Dave Piñeda with local leadership from left, Rio Arriba County Commissioner Leo Jaramillo, Joe Garcia of Ohkay Owingeh, Española Mayor Javier Sanchez, Northern New Mexico College President Dr. Rick Bailey and Assistant Speaker Lujan. Photo by James R. Mountain/valleydailypost.com

Assistant Speaker Ben R. Lujan honors a Vietnam Veteran at the pinning ceremony Friday at Northern New Mexico College. Photo by James R. Mountain/valleydailypost.com

Maria Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo receives the ‘Deceased Vietnam Veteran’s Surviving Spouse’ lapel pin from Assistant Speaker Ben R. Lujan Friday at Northern New Mexico College. Photo by James R. Mountain/valleydailypost.com

The Color Guard presentation conducted by members of the Española/Pojoaque AJROTC. Photo by James R. Mountain/valleydailypost.com

A packed house of veterans and family members attend the Vietnam Veteran’s pinning ceremony Friday evening at NNMC. Photo by James R. Mountain/valleydailypost.com

Northern New Mexico College Board of Regents Vice President Erica R. Velarde and President Michael A. Martin. Photo by James R. Mountain/valleydailypost.com