CUMMING — Cumming Post 307 American Legion plans to recognize Vietnam-era vets during an event Monday.

Set for 7 p.m. at the National Guard Readiness Center, the ceremony is open to the public and part of a push by Gov. Nathan Deal to commemorate the war’s 50th anniversary.

“Deal last summer wanted to recognize [them]. We have about 250,000 Vietnam-era vets in Georgia,” said John Arant with Post 307. “We’re going to do it to honor and recognize, because a lot of the vets coming back from Vietnam were not properly recognized. They were spit upon and it was a bad time.”

Arant said the some 90 veterans who registered will receive a certificate personalized with their name, rank, branch and dates of service.

The certificates are signed by Deal and Georgia Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Mike Roby, who will also be speaking at the event.

The certificates will be awarded to all who served during the Vietnam era, regardless of whether they were in the Southeast Asian nation.

“The guidelines are now, any veteran … that was wearing a uniform during that time qualifies for this certificate,” Arant said. “He could have been sent to Germany rather than Vietnam.

“Thing is, you didn’t know where you’re going to go when … you’re in the military.”

The readiness center is at 100 Aquatic Circle, off Pilgrim Mill Road near Ga. 400’s Exit 16 in Cumming.