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Vietnam Veterans, We Salute You!
Consumer Advocate March 28, 2019	Military Community Leave a comment
You look at your calendar. It's March 29. Do you know the significance of this date?
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designated March 29 of every year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day! This date was chosen in honor of the day Military Assistance Command Vietnam was deactivated: March 29, 1973.
Across the nation, Americans honor and thank Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. By Presidential Proclamation, the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War extends from Memorial Day 2012 through Veterans Day 2025, and Your Commissary is participating as a Commemorative Partner, with many locations hosting military community ceremonies thanking veterans of the Vietnam War period for their service.
2019 Vietnam Veterans Commemoration Ceremony held recently at the Fort Bragg South Commissary
These ceremonies honor all who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces between November 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975, as well as their families. Living veterans who meet these criteria may each be publicly presented with one Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin as a way of honoring their service.
According to the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, November 1, 1955 was selected to coincide with the official designation of Military Assistance Advisory Group-Vietnam (MAAG-V); May 15, 1975 marks the end of the battle precipitated by the seizure of the SS Mayaguez.
As a military benefit, we are grateful to Vietnam veterans for their service, and we are proud to join with other military community organizations to pay tribute to them for their contributions.
"The Defense Commissary Agency is proud to be a part of this national effort to thank our [Vietnam] veterans for their service and sacrifice. These ceremonies are a significant way to reach our veterans, and we applaud the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration for being in the forefront of this observance."
-Retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, DoD Special Assistant for Commissary Operations
These ceremonies are opportunities for the military community as a whole to come together, but they are especially meaningful for the Vietnam veterans themselves.
Chief Master Sgt. Nicole Johnson, executive assistant to the chief master sergeant of the Air Force, presents the Vietnam Veteran lapel pin to retired Air Force Col. Michael Brazelton.
"Even though it might just be a lapel pin to a lot of people, this is like a medal to the Vietnam veterans."
-Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Brazelton, a four-time Silver Star recipient and former Vietnam War prisoner of war
Thank a Vietnam Veteran
More than 100 commissaries are participating, but some ceremonies may be held on a date other than March 29, so please contact Your Commissary using the contact information listed on our website to see if and when they will be hosting a ceremony.
Have you attended one of these commemorative ceremonies in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, or will you this year? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and remember to thank a Vietnam War veteran on March 29!
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