West Chester (Pennsylvania) University celebrated National Vietnam War Veterans Day with insights from several local Vietnam War #veterans and the public unveiling of a Vietnam War digital/oral history project. Students in WCU’s History Department conducted 40 interviews with local veterans and collected more than 100 photos and artifacts for the project. “For many of the era’s participants, the war’s aftermath rendered an uncomfortable silence,” says professor Bob Kodosky. “I am proud that our students have provided a means for these individuals to finally share their voices as well as their historical narratives.” #NationalVietnamWarVeteransDay
Tag: National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Thank a Vietnam Veteran for Their Sacrifice
One good reason to observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day this week is to give voice to the serious concerns that many of the Vietnam War’s #veterans face as they age, writes disabled Vietnam War veteran and Florida Veterans Hall of Famer John Stewart in the Citrus County Chronicle. Beyond being shunned for fighting an unpopular war upon their return, Vietnam veterans now suffer from high rates of #suicide, health problems related to Agent Orange exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Why should we have a National Vietnam Veterans Day? Because [the veterans] deserve it. Period,” he says. “Thank them.” #NationalVietnamWarVeteransDay
Celebrating National Vietnam War Veterans Day
On March 29, #veterans and well-wishers across the country will celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Established in 2017, the annual holiday is marked on the day the last troops were withdrawn in 1973 — 50 years ago. “Citizens are encouraged to fly the U.S. flag in #honor of those who served in the #Vietnam War as a way to thank the veterans and all those who made sacrifices during one of the longest wars in U.S. history,” says AwarenessDays.com. You can also #thank a veteran personally or attend a local observance honoring the Vietnam veterans in your area. #NationalVietnamWarVeteransDay
Celebrating National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Next Tuesday, March 29, is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Why March 29? Because on March 29, 1973, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam.
Vietnam veterans first got their own holiday the following year — even before the fall of Saigon in 1975 — thanks to President Richard Nixon, who declared March 29 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. But not until 2012 did the push for a national observance get underway.
That year, President Obama issued a proclamation calling upon all Americans to observe March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day with programs, ceremonies and other activities that commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
“One of the most painful chapters in our history was Vietnam — particularly how we treated our troops who served there,” President Obama said in his remarks. “You were often blamed for a war you didn’t start, when you should have been commended for serving your country with valor.”
In 2017, National Vietnam War Veterans Day was established as an official observance. Now in its fifth year, National Vietnam War Veterans Day is the occasion for hundreds of celebrations and events nationwide — all held to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
More than 3.2 million people served between Nov. 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975. But those numbers are dwindling: More than 500 Vietnam veterans pass every day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. So the time to thank them is now.
Take some time out in the next couple weeks to observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day by visiting a veterans memorial or attending a commemorative event; thanking a Vietnam veteran personally with a call, card or visit; or volunteering your time with a veterans organization.
You can also donate your used clothing and household goods to ClothingDoanations.org year-round to fund programs that help honor those who served by staging commemorative events and offering direct assistance when needed. The nation’s veterans thank you for your support!
Observing Vietnam Veterans Day Safely
March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day — an opportunity to remember the 9 million American men and women who served in active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during U.S. involvement in Vietnam from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 7, 1975 — some 6 million of whom are living today.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and hundreds of partners will continue the special 50th anniversary commemoration of the Vietnam War that launched in 2012 this year. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VA recommends remembering veterans with socially distanced community activities from March 25 – March 29.
“This is an opportunity for all Americans to recognize and thank our Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice during one of America’s longest wars,” the VA Blog says. “Outside of these dates, we should remember that we can always thank and welcome home Vietnam veterans any time of the year.”
While in-person events are challenging to stage safely, the VA invites well-wishers to reach out to Vietnam veterans who live in remote areas, are physically unable to attend commemorative events or are living in nursing homes with a thank-you card, call or Zoom conference.
Honor Flight organizations are working with VSOs to create Honor Parade routes in many communities. These outdoor events pass by veterans’ homes at a safe distance to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus. Vietnam Memorial walls will also appear in many locations — many of them supported by VVA chapters nationwide. Here’s a short list of commemorative events.
Hundreds of observances will take place, and the VA urges participants to celebrate and honor veterans safely. Many events get some funding from your generous donations of lightly used clothing and household goods to ClothingDonations.org.
So clean out a closet and #donate; call, text or write a veteran; or take part in a safe, socially distanced event to thank a Vietnam veteran for their service. They will appreciate the consideration on National Vietnam War Veterans Day — or any day of the year.