National Vietnam War Veterans Day Events Honor Those Who Served

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — March 29 is designated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a time to pay tribute to the estimated 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War era. The date marks the day in 1973 when the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam, concluding the war that involved significant sacrifice and controversy.

American Legion posts across the country are organizing events to honor veterans of the Vietnam War. According to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, approximately 58,000 service members are memorialized at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This day aims to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices made by veterans who often returned home to a lack of recognition and respect.

The American Legion invites veterans and their families to participate in various activities planned for this year’s observance. For example, in Alabama, the American Legion Post 229 is hosting a “Grill and Chill” event where veterans can enjoy free food and live entertainment at Redstone Harley-Davidson in Madison.

In California, Santa Barbara’s American Legion Post 49 is collaborating with the Vietnam Veterans of America for a community event featuring a free lunch and ceremonial activities.

Events are also scheduled in Statesboro, Georgia, where Dexter Allen Post 90 will hold a welcome-home gathering alongside Ogeechee Area Hospice, which will include a luncheon for veterans.

In Illinois, the Metro East Community Rotary Club is partnering with American Legion Post 199 in Edwardsville to host a breakfast for Vietnam-era veterans. The guest speaker will be Bill Enyart, a former major general in the Illinois Army National Guard.

In Kentucky, a Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade will begin at Bullitt Lick Middle School and culminate at American Legion Post 157, followed by a free chicken dinner for veterans.

American Legion Post 30 in Camden, Maine, is planning a luncheon for all Vietnam veterans, featuring guest speaker Rev. Dave Franclemont, a veteran himself.

Michigan’s American Legion Post 217 in Wyandotte is teaming up with local veterans organizations for a ceremony at the Wyandotte Vietnam War Memorial, inviting the public for complimentary pizza and drinks afterward.

In Minnesota, American Legion Post 489 will host its 11th annual Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day Dinner, offering complimentary blankets to veterans, courtesy of the In-County Vietnam Motorcycle Club.

Missouri’s American Legion Post 55 is planning a turkey dinner and presentations from guest speakers at their second Vietnam veterans dinner in Hannibal.

New Jersey’s American Legion Post 346 will participate in a parade in Neptune, inviting veterans and the public to join the celebration.

Meanwhile, American Legion Post 82 in New York will host an event with the Binghamton Vet Center, providing recognition pins and certificates to veterans.

In Ohio, Mason’s Joe Barr Post 194 is joining city officials to organize a welcome-home parade followed by a tour of the community for veterans in specialty vehicles. “They were told not to wear their uniforms in public,” a local veteran remarked, recognizing the societal challenges faced by his peers upon returning from war.

This year marks the first observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, formally recognized by an act of Congress in 2017. In Pennsylvania, American Legion Post 114 is hosting a pinning ceremony, with State Rep. Abby Major distributing lapel pins to all attending Vietnam veterans.

Additionally, events in Texas include a recognition day at Post 41 in Houston, designed to provide support for veterans navigating Veterans Affairs claims.

West Virginia American Legion Post 7 invites veterans to a luncheon on March 29 where they can enjoy traditional food while connecting with fellow service members. As the post commander shared, “Even if you aren’t hungry, just stopping by to chat is welcome.”

In total, it is estimated that only about 30% of Vietnam veterans are still alive today, making these commemorative events all the more crucial in recognizing their service and sacrifice.