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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) South Dakotas Vietnam War veterans were honored in Pierre on Saturday, the 35th anniversary of the final American troops' withdrawal from Vietnam.

A ceremony was held near the South Dakota Vietnam War Memorial at Capitol Lake.

Vietnam veteran Ken Rausch of Pierre says the tribute continues the healing started during the 2006 dedication of the memorial.

Seventy-eight percent of the 28,000 South Dakotans in the active military from 1964-1975 served in Vietnam and 212 of them died in the war.

A poem about Vietnam veterans was read during the ceremony, which included prayers, proclamations and the playing of Taps.

Information from: Tony Mangan/KCCR-AM (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 03-29-08 1434CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list