This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. One month from today, a special ceremony will take place at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, honoring the men who truly define the word, hero.

Tetra Images, Getty Images
Tetra Images, Getty Images
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Eighteen prisoners of war will be coming in from all over the country. Some are from New Jersey. The event will feature a ribbon cutting at the hangar at Lakehurst and dedication of wartime artifacts from the era. Later that night, a special dinner will be held for them. Carl Jablonski is the President of the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society.

"It's so important to remember what happened and pass the information and knowledge on the new generations. These men are up in age and when they're gone, we don't want their memories to fade too."

According to Jablonski, it will be the largest gathering of Vietnam POW ever arranged. With the sequestration the military has no money to pay for this event including local transportation and hotel rooms. That's where the public is coming in.

Already there has been an outpouring of support from people and local organizations wanting to help get everyone here for the ceremony.

"These are our soldiers, prisoners of war, heroes who each freely gave of themselves to ensure that we would have the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today. Any little bit helps."

Tax exempt donations should be made payable to the NLHS Pow/MIA Event - send it to P.O. Box 328. Lakehurst, New Jersey 08733.

The event takes place on September 12th at 10 a.m. at the Joint Base. Later that night, the dinner and reception will be held at the Ramada on Route 70 in Toms River.

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