SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Veterans and community members gathered in Springfield on Sunday for the 51st observance of Vietnam Veterans Day. Veterans who served in the Vietnam War were recognized for their bravery on the battlefield over 50 years ago. State and local officials such as U.S. Congr essman Richard Neal and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno attended and spoke about the importance of upholding veterans' services in the community. Sewer line break in East Windsor discharging raw sewage into Connecticut River A wreath-laying ceremony was then held at the Vietnam Veterans' Monument across from City Hall to honor those killed in action during the war. "Vietnam for us Vietnam veterans will never end," said Gumersindo Gomez, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Massachusetts State Council. "It will end for the nation, but for us Vietnam veterans, we live it every day and every night. So Vietnam is in our minds and in our hearts." The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is planning to shut down soon due to the dwindling numbers of living Vietnam veterans, but Gomez said that he hopes to continue providing services for those in Massachusetts. Local News Headlines Vietnam Veterans Day observed at Springfield City Hall New café in Northampton selling açai bowls and waffles Sewer line break in East Windsor discharging raw sewage into Connecticut River Springfield man charged for DUI following crash in Vermont WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less