Veterans Day was celebrated downtown for the first time in recent memory as the city of McMinnville and McMinnville’s Noon Exchange Club combined to hold an inaugural Salute to Our Veterans at Park Theater on Wednesday night.“All gave some and some gave all,” said keynote speaker Army Col. Thomas B. Vaughn in talking about the sacrifice given by veterans.The event, held for all veterans, had a special emphasis on welcoming home veterans of the Vietnam War – 40 years later.“When they came back, they didn’t get parades and celebrations,” said McMinnville Mayor Jimmy Haley, noting they were never really shown appreciation for their service during a difficult time in American history.Haley said the importance of showing appreciation to Vietnam veterans was stressed by former Mayor Royce Davenport while he was in office and Haley was an alderman. Davenport was a Vietnam veteran. He died following a bout with cancer, possibly triggered by his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.“Perhaps this is some small tribute we can pay to our Vietnam veterans,” Haley said.The evening included patriotic songs played by McMinnville’s Silver and Gold Band and performances of songs specially written for the event.