'Being a veteran means everything:' Vietnam veterans honored in Cary ceremony

Vietnam veterans and their families gathered in Cary Friday night for a special ceremony to mark National Vietnam War Veteran’s Day.

On Friday night, the room at the Cary VFW was filled with brave men and women.

“I feel great around them. Makes me feel at ease,” Vietnam War veteran Harry T. Cleland said. “Being a veteran means everything to me.”

In 1966 and 1967, Cleland was in Vietnam. Now, he enjoys fishing and being with his fellow veterans.

“Actually, I’m not looking for anything tonight. I came here to be with my friends and be with the other guys in the Legion and the Post,” he said of Friday night’s event.

Cleland’s friends enjoy his company too.

“One of the things he does that is special to me, he runs Project Healing Waters that we’ve partnered with him on. They make fly fishing gear,” Veterans of Foreign Wars 7383 Post Commander David Wagoner said.

Cleland and other veterans at the Cary VFW on Friday night received special pins in recognition of their service. While Cleland said he appreciates the honor, he’s keeping life in perspective.

“I’m not looking for recognition, never have. My badge of honor is being able to stand straight up and talk to you,” he said.

Cleland was one of 225 people who registered to attend Friday night’s event and the Cary VFW was full of support for all veterans and their families.