This month marks 46 years since the last American troops left Vietnam, and AMVETS Post 23 in Opp plans to honor veterans of the era with a special event on Sat., March 30.

Dennis Cunningham, public relations officer for AMVETS, said this marks the fifth year the group has held an event to recognize Vietnam Veterans Day, but the event honors all veterans and their families.

U.S. combat missions began in Vietnam on Jan. 12, 1962, when Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon. Eleven years later, on March 29, 1973, the last American troops left. During those years, 58,000 American soldiers died, and thousands more were injured.

The group is hosting a luncheon on Sat., March 30, at the AMVETS Service Center located at 203 MLK Drive in Opp. The lunch begins at 1 p.m., and the post will provide barbecue sandwiches, baked beans, coleslaw, and soft drinks. Veterans are encouraged to bring yard chairs, as seating is limited.

A DJ will play music of the 60s to 80s era, beginning at noon.

Veterans are asked to RSVP by calling Paul at 815-712-2515, or Dennis at 334-406-2576, and let them know how many will attend.