GREEN COVE SPRINGS — The Board of County Commissioners gave an official proclamation for National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Tuesday.

Local Vietnam Veterans of America members and the Taps Committee were present to accept the award. 

March 29 marks 52 years since the end of a nearly two-decade war, when the United States withdrew its forces from Vietnam.

While 3 million Americans served, a total of over 58,000 men and women lost their lives protecting the rights of the Vietnamese people.

District 1 Commissioner John Sgromolo read the proclamation, which detailed the strength, courage and impact that the veterans displayed then and even now.

On Saturday, March 29, the county will be partnering with the Vietnam Veterans of America and TAPS Committee to host a special ceremony at the Taps monument in Green Cove Springs. 

Starting at 10 a.m., the county said the event will honor, recognize and thank Vietnam Veterans for their sacrifice and service.

The ceremony will feature guest speakers, a wreath laying, reading of the names on the monument and music. The event is open to the public.

Additionally, the board also recognized Green Cove Springs’ historical Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church’s 152nd anniversary.

The church was founded in 1873, prior to the founding of the city and is the oldest standing African American church in the county.

On Sunday, March 30 at the 3 p.m., the church will be hosting their anniversary celebration, in which the public is invited to attend.

In other business, the county approved the rejection of bids received for intersection improvements at County Road 220 at Canova Road and County Road 220 at East West Parkway. 

According to the county, both bids were over budget and staff will begin re-evaluating the project to determine the best method to procure necessary services to complete it.

The project’s purpose is to enhance traffic flow and safety through offset turn lanes, signalization and pavement marking improvements.