UTICA, N.Y. -- Many made sure to thank our nation's heroes on Thursday. It was National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

There was a big turn out for a tribute event at the Parkway Center in Utica.

Vietnam Veterans were given commemorative pins, and thanked for their service.

Some talked about the significance of the day, compared to when they came home from war and didn't get a warm welcome.

"When we returned home we weren't treated well. We weren't allowed in a lot of the military organizations. So yeah it means a lot to us. Just a 'thank you' means a lot to Vietnam veterans," said Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 944 President Thomas Buono.

It was on March 29, 1973 when combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam.