National Vietnam War Veterans Day March 29

In the quiet moments of our daily lives, the sacrifices made by veterans often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of our current worries and future aspirations. But their legacy—etched in the annals of history and in the hearts of those who remember—must never be forgotten.

When we honor veterans, we do more than pay tribute; we fulfill our sacred duty as Americans to remember them.

Let us remain united in our commitment to remembering, educating future generations, and honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans with the dignity and respect they truly deserve.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually on March 29.

This day is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the service and sacrifices of Vietnam War veterans and their families. The date was chosen because it marks the day in 1973 when the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disbanded and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Additionally, around this same time, Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.

On this day, Americans unite to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. Various programs, ceremonies, and activities are held to commemorate the contributions of these veterans.

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.

There are many meaningful ways to honor and remember Vietnam War veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Here are some ideas:

1. Attend or Organize a Ceremony: Participate in local events, parades, or commemorative ceremonies dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Many communities hold special services to honor veterans on this day.

2. Visit a Memorial: Pay a visit to a Vietnam War memorial or veterans’ cemetery. You can leave flowers, flags, or other tokens of appreciation at these sites.

3. Reach Out to Veterans: Connect with Vietnam War veterans in your community. Listen to their stories, express your gratitude, and let them know their service is remembered and appreciated.

4. Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to veterans’ organizations or hospitals. Volunteering is a great way to give back to those who have served.

Each gesture, no matter how small, contributes to the collective effort of honoring and remembering the incredible contributions of Vietnam War veterans.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day from Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund on Vimeo.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day History

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 establishes the day as a national observance. However, it is not an official holiday in any part of the United States.

First Observed in 2012

Vietnam Veterans Day was first observed as a one-time occasion on March 29, 2012, when President Barack Obama issued a proclamation calling on “all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”

Vietnam War History

Lasting from 1955 to 1975, the Vietnam war engulfed the Southeast Asian country of Vietnam as well as its neighboring countries, Cambodia and Laos. It resulted in several million deaths, most of whom were Vietnamese civilians.

The conflict began during the 1950s when the struggle between the country’s communist northern part and the anti-communist south escalated. The United States began its military involvement in an effort to back the South’s effort to quell the communist onslaught, which, at the height of the Cold War, was feared to promote the spread of communist ideology and influence worldwide. During the war, about 500,000 US troops were dispatched to Southeast Asia, about 58,000 of whom were killed.

The conflict ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the victory of North Vietnam.