National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed every year on March 29 and is a way to thank and honor our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. There are 5 objectives with Vietnam Commemoration and the other four are:
- Highlight the service of our Armed Forces and support organizations during the war
- Pay tribute to wartime contributions at home by American citizens
- Highlight technology, science and medical advances made during the war
- Recognize contributions by our Allies
National Vietnam War Veterans Day will be observed on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.
Organizers canceled or postponed many events to slow the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing. Veterans are encouraged to stay connected and participate in virtual events.
Vietnam War Veterans Day Virtual Events and Activities
- Facebook
- For Veterans with a Facebook account, they can download a frame to place a picture and show their pride for serving. The frame shows the Vietnam War Veteran day pin and the text “Proud Vietnam War Veteran.”
- For anyone who wants to show appreciation for Vietnam War Veterans, an additional frame can be downloaded. The frame shows the Vietnam War Commemoration logo and the text “I support Vietnam War Veterans.”
- The VA will also release two short videos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
- They will host an online commemoration March 29 with a live webcast and messages of thanks on Facebook.
- Record a short video and upload it by Friday, March 26, and then watch the event online on March 29 at 1:00 pm ET. Veterans can also leave a written message.
- They will host an online commemoration March 29 with a live webcast and messages of thanks on Facebook.
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- Vietnam Veterans of America, or VVA, wants to see photos, poems, artwork and music on their Facebook page March 27. The comment with the most “Likes” will win a prize from the national office.
- On March 29, Vietnam Veterans can share their service photos on the VVA Facebook page as the nation remembers heroes for their service and sacrifice.
- Vietnam Veterans can share their favorite C-Ration recipe or meal on the VVA Facebook page March 30. The winner with the most “Likes” will win a prize from the national office.
- Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins
- The Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin has become “a lasting memento of the Nation’s thanks.” Living U.S. Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are eligible to receive one lapel pin.
- Normally, these lapel pins are presented during a dignified, public ceremony to individual Vietnam Veterans. However, given the global pandemic, most commemorative events have been postponed, while others have been rescheduled for next year.
- As a unique alternative during this challenging period, The Vietnam War Commemoration is encouraging Vietnam Veterans to submit a request for their lapel pin via email at [email protected]. At the earliest opportunity, Veterans will receive a lapel pin in the mail.
- Team RWB Vietnam War Veterans Day Challenge
- In recognition of all who served in the Vietnam War, Team RWB is offering a virtual Vietnam War Veterans Day Workout of the Day (WOD). The challenge includes exercises like squats, push ups, and a run or walk. Veterans can complete the challenge at home on their own schedule, at their own pace, alone or with a partner. Team RWB asks participants to give it their all and to pause, remembering those who served and sacrificed.
- Access the challenge through the Team RWB App or at TeamRWB.org.
Who Does Vietnam War Commemoration Honor?
U.S. Armed Forces personnel with active duty service between Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location of service which includes:
- Nine million Americans serving during that time
- 6.4 million Americans living today
- 2.7 million U.S. service members who served in Vietnam
- 58,000 whose names are memorialized on a black granite wall in our Nation’s capital
- 304,000 who were wounded
- 1,253 Missing in Action (MIA) heroes who have not yet returned to American soil
- 2,500 Prisoners of War (POWs)
The commemoration makes no distinction between veterans who served in-county, in-theater, or were stationed elsewhere during those 20 years.
Origins of National Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration
- 2007: Congress incorporated language in H.R. 4986 authorizing a program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War
- 2008: H.R. 4986 was signed into law on Jan. 28, 2008
- 2012: The Vietnam War Commemoration began with the Presidential inaugural event at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012
- 2017: The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 established The National Vietnam War Veterans Day to be celebrate each year on March 29
- Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War will continue through Veterans Day, 2025
Presidential Proclamation Regarding Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017
“To ensure the sacrifices of the 9 million heroes who served during this difficult chapter of our country’s history are remembered for generations to come, I signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, designating March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Throughout this Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, and every March 29 thereafter, we will honor all those who answered our Nation’s call to duty.” -President Trump
Observing National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Over 11,000 local, state and national organizations, businesses, sports franchises and governmental agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, have committed to be commemorative partners to hosting ceremonies, programs, events and activities that commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War.
Activities Include:
- Wreath laying ceremony at The Vietnam War Memorial “The Wall”
- Ceremonies and activities at VA Medical facilities across the country
- The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) will recognize, honor and thank Vietnam era veterans and their families with commemorative ceremonies
Visit the official DoD site VietnamWar50th.com for a full schedule of local events, resources and history.
Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News
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