Commemorating the Anniversary of the Vietnam War
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the Department of Veterans Affairs, along with nearly 9,000 organizations across the country, has joined with the Department of Defense as a commemorative partner to honor our Nation's Vietnam Veterans this year. VA Secretary Bob McDonald has designated March 29, 2016, as a day to kick off the commemoration and to express our tremendous gratitude and support to this generation of Americans.
This commemoration recognizes all men and women who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the U.S. involvement in Vietnam—November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. Nine million Americans, approximately 7.2 million living today, served during that period, and the commemoration makes no distinction between Veterans who served in-country, in-theater or were stationed elsewhere during those 20 years. All answered the call of duty.
"This commemoration has special significance for those of us at VA because of our honored mission to serve those who have 'borne the battle,'" said Secretary McDonald. "It's also an opportunity to remember our VA colleagues who served in this generation of Veterans, to extend our heartfelt appreciation to them and to their families who shared the burden of their loved one's service."
As we approach March 29 and this Vietnam Veterans Day, take the time to remember those who honorably served. They sacrificed for their country and deserve their Nation's appreciation and respect.
To all of our Veterans we say, 'Welcome Home.'
Facility | Date & Time | Location |
---|---|---|
Altoona | March 29 10 a.m. |
Medical Center's Wall That Heals Also, stop by the medical center's auditorium between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to watch videos of the Vietnam Era, view Vietnam mementoes, and have refreshments. |
Butler | March 30 9 a.m. |
American Legion Post 778 in Lyndora, PA All Vietnam Veterans (along with one guest) are invited to an appreciation breakfast during this time. |
Coatesville | March 29 9 a.m |
Medical Center's Building 5 Great Hall Ceremony will include a Bronze Star Medal presentation and an outdoor Vietnam military display. |
Erie | March 29 3 p.m. |
Erie County Vietnam Veterans Memorial |
Philadelphia | March 29 3 p.m. |
PA National Guard Armory |
Pittsburgh | March 29 10:30 a.m. |
University Drive campus, Learning eXchange |
Wilmington | March 29 1 p.m. |
Medical Center Auditorium |