Fifty years after their courageous battles and heartbreaking homecoming, Vietnam veterans are receiving the thanks they more than deserve.

The Lieutenant George Farragut Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution partnered with the United States of America Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration, established by Congress, to thank and honor Vietnam vets during an event Friday at the Hayden Lake Country Club.

Featured speaker and local hero Lt. Col. Frederick C. McMurray, United States Air Force retired, described his experiences as a prisoner of war for 199 days in the Hanoi Hilton.

"Everybody was wiping their eyes when he got done, including me," said Duke Gaffney of Hayden.

Gaffney served in the Marine Corps, Army and Air Force, and while he didn't fight in Vietnam, he was in the service when the war was going on.

"I spent my 17th birthday with a drill sergeant yelling at me," he said.

Gaffney, 75, said he felt the DAR event to honor his comrades was fantastic, including the lunch.

"I really enjoyed it," he said. "I couldn't have been pleased more."

Almost 30 veterans were among the guests at the event, which was organized by DAR chapter vice regent Luella Stilley of Coeur d'Alene. She said some of the historical exhibits on display came directly from the Pentagon. The displays also included remembrance and honors for those missing in action.

"We definitely wanted to pay back and give some recognition to our Vietnam vets because they didn't receive it when they came home," Stilley said.

Each veteran, including DAR members, Mary Spray and Trish Thurston, received recognition and a certificate of appreciation for his or her service to America.

"As you know, they didn't always receive the best welcome and this was a way to thank them and honor them," said Nancy Beyer of Hayden Lake, the DAR committee chair for public relations and media.

Stilley said the program, which did include some sad and tearful moments, was well-received by the attending veterans.

"They were warm, they were smiling, they were touched," she said.

The event closed with footage and still photos of the Vietnam War as "More Than a Name on A Wall" by the Statler Brothers played from the sound system.

"We love them," Stilley said of the veterans. "We appreciate them for their sacrifices, all the time away from home, all the things that they had to endure ... I honor them because they've allowed me to dream dreams, they've allowed me to plan my future and the future of my family and they've also allowed me to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I am who I am because they've allowed me the freedom to choose."

Info: www.ltgeorgefarragut.weebly.com