The Tahoma National Cemetery is honoring Vietnam veterans by holding a 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War this Saturday, April 1.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the cemetery.

The keynote speaker for the event if Jim Martinson, a Vietnam veteran who lost both legs above the knee in Da Nang.

After coming home from the war, Martinson started racing wheelchairs in 1976 and competed in numerous road races and track events.

Martinson founded Shadow Products, a sports equipment manufacturing company, and developed products like the Race Wheelchair for 10k, marathon and track; , the Kan Ski for water skiing; the mono ski for snow skiing; the basketball and tennis wheelchair, and many other sports products.

He has been presented with the Washington Ambassador for Goodwill Award and received the Distinguished Citizen Award and many others.

During the ceremony, Vietnam veterans will be commemorated with a Vietnam Veteran lapel pin.

The lapel pins will be presented by Jim Martinson and Cemetery Director Thomas Yokes in a dignified manner to each Vietnam veteran as part of the event, and include accompanying remarks to reflect the nation’s thanks for their service and sacrifice. For more information on the lapel pins, visit http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/assets/1/7/Veteran_Lapel_Pin_Fact_Sheet.pdf