More than 1,500 Vietnam veterans were honored Saturday for their service and sacrifice.

The ceremony was held at the Northport VA Medical Center. Veterans and their families gathered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Rep. Steve Israel helped give out special commemorative pins and presidential proclamations.

"This is one of the most meaningful things I've done in my life because these people, they went to Vietnam, they fought for their country, they came back mistreated, spat upon and ignored," Israel said. "And it has taken us too long to make that right, but it's a privilege to be a part of making it right, right now."