KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt spent his Memorial Day honoring 21 Vietnam veterans at the National Guard Armory in Kansas City.

"It was a real war," said Tim Fischer. "People looked down on us when we got home, but we just did what out country asked us to do."

Fischer was among the veterans given a commemorative medallion to show how much their service meant to the United States and to Missouri.

But his thoughts were with the men he fought next to who died in battle.

"I lost 29 friends in one year in Vietnam," Fischer said. "It really stays with you. It doesn't ever go away."

Fischer said he received the medallion for those friends.

"They're the real heroes, the ones not here today," Fischer said.

The program to recognize Missouri Vietnam veterans began in 2006 and already, they've received more than 7,000 applications, many who want the medal mailed to them.

State officials said they would hold a ceremony for any Vietnam veteran who wanted it.