Three Vietnam War veterans from the Taunton Area Vietnam Veterans Association gave a presentation on Wednesday at the Wareham Free Library, with photos and artifacts from their time serving.

Dennis Proulx, a founding member of the association, said when he returned home from the war after he was drafted in 1969, he was not treated well by the public because so many people were against the Vietnam War.

"Soldiers in Vietnam fought just as bravely and gallantly as any other war," Proulx said.

The veterans have given several presentations in Wareham this summer in preparation for the Vietnam Moving Wall's arrival. Proulx said he is especially passionate about teaching the younger generation about the war.

"If it wasn't for certain principals and teachers, kids would know nothing about the sacrifice that's made," Proulx said. "It's a shame."

The veterans shared their personal photos of how they fought, ate and spent daily life in Vietnam. Attendees tried on military helmets and jackets from the veterans' collections.

The Vietnam Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., comes to Wareham Aug. 17 to 21.