Vietnam War Veterans Day: Honoring Sacrifices and Service in 2025

FORT BENNING, Ga. — March 29, 2025: As the nation prepares to observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day, veterans, family members, and communities come together to honor the service and sacrifices of those who fought in the Vietnam War. This day, celebrated every March 29, marks the anniversary of the last U.S. ground troops’ departure from Vietnam in 1973 and serves as a reminder of the resilience demonstrated by the millions who served.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Spencer and retired 1st Sgt. Willie “Sam” Brown, both Vietnam veterans, reflect on their experiences in a conflict that shaped the course of American history. Spencer, who completed his advanced individual training at Fort Benning, dedicated over 26 years to the Army, concluding his career as the Ranger Department’s sergeant major. After retiring, he continued to serve as a civilian employee for an additional 30 years.

Similarly, Brown, who enlisted in 1968, trained soldiers in the Ranger Department at Fort Benning for seven years after completing his advanced training. “For many, military service stems from a sense of patriotism, while others respond to the call of the draft,” Brown said.

Throughout the Vietnam War, from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, over nine million Americans served in active duty. The war claimed more than 58,000 lives, with many others returning home with visible and invisible wounds.

Divided opinions about the war affected the reception of returning veterans, rendering many such as Spencer and Brown vulnerable to scorn. Spencer quickly realized the significance of unit cohesion while serving in Vietnam. “I was not aware of what was going on or how I would support it. I had to become part of a unit, where Soldiers had to depend on each other for survival,” he recalled.

Brown, who served as a point man, encountered threats to his unit first. He detailed his arrival in Vietnam, noting the extreme conditions. “The flight to Vietnam was 24 hours long, and when I arrived, I asked myself, ‘What did I get myself into?’” he said.

Both veterans endured injuries during the conflict, underscoring the impact of the war on individual lives. The Vietnam War has produced over 351,000 Purple Hearts awarded to Vietnam veterans, a testament to the sacrifices made. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as “The Wall,” bears witness to the 58,281 names of those lost during the war.

March 29, established as National Vietnam War Veterans Day by President Donald J. Trump in 2017, serves to remind Americans to recognize the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans. Spencer remarked, “It means the world to me.” First proclaimed in 2012 by President Barack Obama, the day calls for Americans to commemorate the experiences of servicemen and women.

As of today, about 5.4 million Vietnam veterans are alive, but the number is dwindling with over 500 passing away daily. The observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the service of veterans and the challenges they faced during and after the war.

Communities across the country are organizing events to honor Vietnam veterans. In Orlando, Florida, the VA Healthcare System will host a commemorative ceremony featuring music and displays like the Patriot Guard Riders Vietnam Veterans Wall. OVAHCS Director Timothy J. Cooke stated, “The National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony is an opportunity for our community to come together and pay tribute to the heroes who served during the Vietnam War.”

Finally, as National Vietnam War Veterans Day approaches, it is crucial to engage with veterans in our communities, acknowledge their sacrifices, and ensure their stories continue to be shared beyond mere history lessons.