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Atlanta Falcons to honor veterans at Sunday's game

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are honoring veterans in a special way. 
    
On Friday, the team gave special recognition to Vietnam veterans. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the war.

The Atlanta Falcons gathered more than two dozen Vietnam veterans for a breakfast and a chance to say thank you and a belated welcome home.

“Almost all of us came back proud of what we did and what we were doing while we were there and didn’t always have that reception coming back," veteran Jimmie Spencer said.

Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach said there were more than a dozen former Falcon greats on hand for Friday's salute.

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“They gave us the opportunity to do what we do, which is entertain them because of the service they did for our country," former player Michael Hayes said.

The players awarded a special pin to each Vietnam veteran, along with some overdue pats on the back, handshakes and a few hugs.

"It can be -- and sometimes is -- a very emotional event, our veterans, unfortunately, the first time anybody's thanked them for their service, and it's a wonderful thing,"
Spencer said.

Veterans, active duty military and families of fallen soldiers will also be recognized before and during the game Sunday.