The ceremony was hosted by state representative Stephanie Borowicz, R-McElhattan; state Representative Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte; and Senator Jake Corman, R-Benner Township. In attendance were many Vietnam veterans, Centre County commissioners and community members.

“There are stories of these veterans coming home and literally being spit upon and being abused verbally,” he said.

Former state legislator Mike Hanna concurred that it “was a sad time in our nation’s history.” He felt that the highway dedication was a thanks that was long overdue. Dignitaries present each spoke in turn, thanking the veterans for their service. A replica of signs labeling the highway was displayed, and PennDOT plans to erect the signs along the route soon.

The highway renaming was initiated by Hanna, then brought to completion by Borowicz upon Hanna’s retirement.

Featured speaker for the ceremony was David Dimmick, a U.S. Air Force and National Guard veteran. He spoke of the unpopular nature of the Vietnam War, calling it “the war that tore our nation apart.”

He noted that Vietnam War veterans made sacrifices for freedom when it was an unpopular thing to do.

“We want to honor you beyond this strip of highway and honor you in our hearts and forever in our minds,” he said to the veterans.