Northville Vietnam veteran honored 45 years after war ended

Michael Kelly has finally been formally recognized for his sacrifice during the conflict, 45 years after the Vietnam War ended.

Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) held a virtual ceremony for Kelly, a Northville resident, last week to present him with a commemorative lapel pin acknowledging his service. 

Kelly served as a sergeant for two years in the United States Army. His father and father-in-law were both veterans, as well. 

"(The Vietnam War) taught us to have a better objective in what our end point is in any conflict we engage in," Kelly said. "We should have some pre-planning. Secondly, it taught us about the proper treatment of veterans. I'm glad to see that we now honor veterans for their service."

Stevens was joined by Dr. Ginny Creasman, the Medical Center director for the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, as well as Zach Rich, a Farmington Public Schools board of education trustee and caseworker on Stevens' staff who handles veteran affairs, for the Aug. 7 ceremony. 

The congresswoman said it's a joy to honor Vietnam veterans in a way she wishes could have been done sooner. 

"Now we have the opportunity to do what we should have done 50 years ago: welcoming our Vietnam veterans home with honor and thanking you and your families for your service and sacrifice," Stevens said.