Honoring our Vietnam War Era veterans
In 2012, the United States Congress authorized the American Vietnam War Commemoration, as a 50-year remembrance of this military era in U.S. history. The commemoration was established under the Department of Defense (DOD) and launched by President Barack Obama. The primary purpose is to thank and honor the Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
Five years later, the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act established the 29th of March, in perpetuity, as a national day to recognize the previously unsung patriotism of America’s Vietnam veterans. This national military veteran-centric holiday joins Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day as an annual observance under Title 4 of the United States Code §6.
In 2017, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation ensuring that sacrifices of those who served during this difficult time are to be remembered for generations to come; vowing to never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who honorably served in America’s military forces; and pledging to respect, continue care and have an everlasting commitment to Vietnam War Era veterans.
The 29th of March was selected because it was the day the United States Military Assistant Command, Vietnam was disestablished, and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. It was also on this date and during this time period that Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.
The DOD lists the number of veterans who served during this period as 9 million, and the commemoration honors all who served in the U.S. Armed forces from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) lists veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975, while those who served outside the republic from August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, as veterans with eligibility to file for VA wartime benefits.
John Harold Buckley American Legion Post 32, 315 S. Bowen St. in Longmont, is hosting an event to recognize all those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during this period as Vietnam War Era veterans. Post 32 Honor Guard is a partner with DOD assisting with outreach to Vietnam Era veterans in the Longmont general area. The event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 29, beginning with food and refreshments and a program to include the posting of U.S. colors, a POW/MIA table ceremony, welcome and remarks, the Vietnam War 50year anniversary pinning ceremony, prayer by a retired U.S. Army chaplain, a bugler playing taps, and salute. All Vietnam War Era veterans, regardless of where they served, and their family members are invited to attend this event and pinning ceremony.
A valuable lesson of the Vietnam War is that America has learned to respect and care for its veterans regardless of the political climate. Please remember to thank all veterans for their service and welcome home all of those who have served to defend our nation, the U.S. Constitution, and the American flag under which we all served. It is time to welcome home our veterans, and especially Vietnam veterans, with dignity and respect. For information about the Vietnam War Veterans Day program, please call Post 32 at 303-776-2034.