Former members of the military were honored at a ceremony in Bridgeport Wednesday for their dedication and sacrifices.

The ceremony was held at the Veterans Support Center. Veterans in attendance received the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal along with a certificate of recognition and thanks from the city. 

Vietnam vets also received a pin. Some vets say they weren't met with open arms when they came home from Vietnam.

Ellis Tripp, a Vietnam war vet, says he thinks public perception of Vietnam vets changed when people realized how many of them were struggling with mental illness and homelessness.

"That would make you wonder in your mind, say, why are they out - they went to war, nobody's protecting them, nobody's taking care of them," says Tripp. "So that's when the groups started advocating for the veterans, the Vietnam veterans, and we became not famous, but we were spoken for."

The veterans in attendance say they always appreciate respect and recognition.