AUBURN — The American Legion William J. Rogers Post 153, at 71 South Main St., New Auburn, will host “Welcome Home, We are One” from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26.

Post members welcome all Vietnam-era veterans, male and female, who served in the military during the conflict, wherever they served, to drop by and get a bite to eat, relax and consider continuing their service to God and country through the American Legion, said Commander Paul Bernard.

Officers will be there to sign up any eligible veteran who has an honorable discharge certificate. The Women’s Auxiliary Unit 153, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 153 and the American Legion Riders Chapter 153 will all be hosting the event. Membership to all groups will be available.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam cease fire. On Jan. 15, 1973, President Richard Nixon ordered a ceasefire of the aerial bombings in North Vietnam. The decision came after Dr. Henry Kissinger, the National Security Affairs adviser to the president, returned to Washington from Paris with a draft peace proposal. Combat missions continued in South Vietnam. By Jan. 27, 1973, all warring parties in the Vietnam War signed a ceasefire as a prelude to the Paris Peace Accord.

Members are also keeping in mind the 45th anniversary of the Tet Offensive, a military campaign during the Vietnam War that was launched on Jan. 30, 1968, by forces of the People’s Army of Vietnam against the forces of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), the United States and their allies. The purpose of the offensive was to utilize the element of surprise and strike military and civilian command and control centers throughout South Vietnam, during a period when no attacks were supposed to take place.

It is important for us to remember the heroic acts of our brothers and sisters during this era. Men like Frank W. Jealous of Him, who was raised at the Wounded Knee District, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota whose stories must be told, said Bernard. Jealous of Him died from small arms fire on June 9, 1969, in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam. His biography is available at  www.sdvietnamwarmemorial.com/jealousofhimfrank.htm.

Veterans are inspired by heroic acts by their brothers and sisters, according to Bernard. We don’t hear much about the women who served, but they served and their stories need to be told, he said.