National Vietnam War Veterans Day was recognized on March 29 with special pinning ceremonies taking place across the country. However, for Vietnam Veteran Don Richman, his pinning ceremony occurred on April 28 in Harlem.

A few friends and family gathered at the Richman Insurance building on Thursday afternoon to witness Governor Greg Gianforte pin Richman's lapel with an emblem of the nation's gratitude.

"It's not about the pin," Gianforte said, while presenting the hardware. "It's about the service and sacrifices veterans like Don made for our country. When our soldiers returned from Vietnam, our country was not real welcoming. We're trying to correct that by honoring Don and his family today. We want you to accept this pin as a reminder of our country's appreciation. Thank you for your service."

Following the short ceremony, those gathered were invited to mingle and enjoy refreshments. While socializing, several people commented about the importance of paying tribute to service men and women for their selfless contributions and heroism, saying: "It's about time."

To the compliments, Richman replied: "I am deeply honored. It was worth the wait to be pinned by someone like our governor."

In other praise, Blaine County Commissioner Miles Hutton expressed pleasure with how responsive various government agencies have been since the Gianforte administration took over in Helena. "I'm pleased with the response I've received whenever I have called for information," Hutton told the governor.

Gianforte responded: "When I took office, we introduced a new concept called customer service!"

The stop in Harlem was part of Gianforte's 56 County Tour. Earlier in the day on April 28, Gianforte stopped at schools in both Chinook and Harlem. He also had lunch with the Fort Belknap Tribal Council and presented them with a retired tribal flag.

"This was the first flag representing the Fort Belknap Assiniboine and Gros Ventre Tribes to fly on the Tribal Flag Plaza at the north entrance of the Capitol Building in Helena. Over time, these flags have to be retired and replaced, I presented their tribal flag back to them," Gianforte explained.

When asked how his tour was progressing, Gianforte stated: "As I travel across our state, I hear common themes. People want good-paying jobs, responsive, effective government, affordable, high-quality health care, and safe communities. Delivering on these priorities remains our focus."