Nearly 3 million American men and women served in the Vietnam War; many of whom were not properly welcomed home upon their return. The Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually on March 29—a day set aside to provide a proper “welcome home”.
In 2012 President Obama signed a presidential order proclaiming this day to honor the service and sacrifice of all who served on active duty during the Vietnam War era from 1955 to 1973 whether they served in country or elsewhere. March 29 was chosen because that day in 1973 marked the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam.
A few key details about this observance:
- More than 8.7 million men and women served in the armed forces worldwide during the Vietnam era.
- We lose more than 500 Vietnam Veterans every day; many of those still residing in hospices and long-term care facilities.
- More than 58,318 names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice are engraved in the black granite of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also known as “The Wall” and this day is a time to reflect those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Here are few ways you can participate in Vietnam Veterans Day. You can honor Veterans by attending local ceremonies, visiting memorials, thanking a Vietnam Veteran for their service and also thanking those who served at other times or thanking those who are currently serving in our armed forces.
