National Vietnam War Veterans Day

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29 honors the men and women who served and sacrificed during the longest conflict in United States history.

On March 29, 1973, combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam. Generations later, Veterans of this time period are gaining the respect that was not so freely given upon their return. Involving five U.S. presidents, crossing nearly two decades and 500,000 U.S.military personnel, it left an indelible mark on the American psyche.

Returning veterans did not always receive respectful welcomes upon their arrival on American soil. Over 58,000 killed, never to return. The observance recognizes the military service of these men and women who answered the call to serve their country when she needed them. They didn’t make the decisions to go to war.

Throughout the observance, we recognize the service and duty rendered by all servicemen and women of this era.

HOW TO OBSERVE #VietnamWarVeteransDay

Around the country, commemorative events, speeches, and luncheons are being held inviting Vietnam Veterans as honored guests. Other ways to participate include:

• Thank a Vietnam Veteran.
• Buy them a drink or lunch.
• Visit a local memorial. Volunteer to help organize events.
• Support a veteran’s organization in your community. Volunteer and offer your skills.
• Watch a Vietnam War documentary such as The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick or Last Days in Vietnam directed by Rory Kennedy or Vietnam Nurses by Timeline.
• Read about the Vietnam War in books like Vietnam – A History by Stanley Karnow or They Marched into Sunlight: War and Peace, Vietnam and America, October 1967 by David Maraniss or The Quiet American by Graham Green and Robert Stone.