WATERVILLE — Hundreds of Vietnam War veterans and their family members and friends are gathering in Waterville for a march and ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the war.

The state Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management is hosting today’s Vietnam Veterans Homecoming March, which begins in Winslow at 5 p.m. and continues across the Two Cent Bridge over the Kennebec River before ending in Waterville.

The event will feature guest speakers, a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps in recognition of those who were lost in the war.

Officials say 343 Mainers were killed in Vietnam, and that more than 46,000 Vietnam veterans are now in Maine.