Smithfield will welcome military veterans from the Vietnam War era to town on March 31.

All Hampton Roads Vietnam veterans have been invited. Based on advance reservations, the organizer, American Legion Post 49, says that up to 200 attendees are expected, with about half of them the veterans to be honored.

There are registered attendees from throughout the region, coming from Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Surry and locales in between. This event will feature as guest speaker retired U.S. Army Col. Tony Nadal, a former Army Special Forces officer featured in “We Were Soldiers Once and Young.”

Several dignitaries have committed to attend, including Sen. L. Louise Lucas, Delegate Emily Brewer, co-host Smithfield Mayor Carter Williams, and Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors Chair William McCarthy.

This event is an opportunity for all to join in thanking these veterans for their service during a challenging time for our nation. Smithfield Foods will provide a barbecue dinner prepared by Taste of Smithfield with desserts provided by The Cake House and Smithfield Gourmet Bakery and Café.

Door prizes donated by more than 20 local businesses will be awarded to veterans. Dinner time entertainment is being provided by the group “22.”

The event has strong local and regional support from military-affiliated organizations: Legion Posts No. 160 in Surry and 57 Suffolk, Smithfield VFW Post 8545 and Smithfield Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Servicemen and women from Hampton Roads who died during the conflict will be honored. Families of servicemen and women who gave their lives during the Vietnam War are asked to attend so they can be recognized. Although there is no cost for any attendee, reservations are needed; they can be made any time before the event by calling 818-0487.