The Los Medanos College Veterans Club will be celebrating the end of the Vietnam War by holding a candlelight vigil April 30 at 7:30 p.m. on the front steps of Student Services Center. Everyone is invited to come remember those who have fallen.

“All are welcome to attend to show support for those lost in combat [protecting] our nation during a controversial time,” said club President Stuart Wadsworth. “The more support the better.”

All supplies needed to hold the vigil will be provided to attendees.

“We will play taps, provide, candles, cake and coffee,” said Wadsworth.

LMC recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary of education and service to the community. This celebration coincides with a more somber anniversary, the end of the Vietnam War 40 years ago.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, which was created by Yale Undergraduate Maya Lin in 1982 and is 493 feet long and comprised of 142 panels, has the names of close to 60,000 men and women who either lost their lives in combat or went missing in action on it — the majority hadn’t even reached the age of 21. Each name is inscribed on the Wall in chronological order of when the person went missing or was killed in action.

“Although gone, they are never forgotten, and the veterans will always have a place in our hearts and community,” said Wadsworth.