We’ve been tracking this for a couple of months now. We are beginning to work on a plan to do something throughout our County. We have 40+ Vets Organizations throughout the County, and it will take a while to get the information out to them all. Then the trick will be to get them in the same place at the same time to get there ideas. It will be like trying to herd a truck-load of snakes with a feather. Danny

Good Morning,

Please see the attached newsletter for the fourth quarter. As you will find, our Commemorative Partner Program has launched!

Eligible organizations within the United States and its territories may apply through the Commemoration’s website at by filling out and submitting an application and Statement of Understanding. Organizations must agree to conduct events that thank and honor Vietnam Veterans and their families and adhere to the Congressionally-mandated objectives of the Commemoration. Further details about the program can be found on the Commemoration website.

Your feedback is welcome as we continue to improve our website and newsletter.

You can also follow us on Twitter @VietnamWar50th and like us on Facebook /vietnamwar50th

Thank you for your support and interest in The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.

Veteran, thank you for your service. I hope you and your family enjoy your Veterans Day!

Very Respectfully,

CPT Valerie Palacios

CPT Valerie M Palacios

Public Affairs Officer

The United States of America

Vietnam War Commemoration

DoD Office of Commemorations

1101 Wilson Boulevard Suite 810

Arlington, VA 22209

Office: 703-697-4898

Cell:703-409-7892

The following is for your information and distribution to your members.

John A Miterko

Veterans Advocate

Vietnam War Commemoration

Many Vietnam War veterans did not get the homecoming they deserved, which is why the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act created a plan tocommemoratethe service of Vietnam War veterans.2012 Kicked off the beginning of a multi-year plan to hold Vietnam War commemorative services at the national, state, and local levels. These services will span over a decade - from 2012 through Veterans Day of 2025. We have more information about the Vietnam War Commemoration on our site. Be sure to watch the video - it was very moving, and brought a tear to this veteran's eye. Read more here:Remembering the Vietnam War - 50th Anniversary Commemoration.

You are here:Home/Military Life/ Remembering the Vietnam War – 50th Anniversary Commemoration

Share

byRyan Guina

5 Comments

Remembering the Vietnam War – 50th Anniversary Commemoration

Many Vietnam War veterans did not get the homecoming they deserved. Regardless of how unpopular the Vietnam War was at the time, our nation’s veterans deserved better than to be jeered and spat upon when they returned home. They, like generations of veterans before and after, served honorably, and bravely. Now, our nation is taking the time to remember them with a series of Vietnam War Commemorations. These ceremonies will be held over the next decade, through Veterans day of 2025.

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. These commemorations will be held from to be held from May 28, 2012 – November 11, 2025. There will be a combination of national commemorations, and many more state and local events. The idea is to bring recognition to the veterans, and to help communities better understand our involvement in the Vietnam War, and how much our veterans mean to our communities.

A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You

A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You

The phrase, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You” graces the official United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Flag. It is a reminder to all Vietnam Veterans that their sacrifices are not forgotten. It also serves as a reminder of their service to those who did not participate in the Vietnam War.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration website was created to document the various commemoration ceremonies and the official seal and flag. You can learn more about the symbolism of the United States of AmericaVietnam War Commemoration Flag here, and moreabout the officialseal. A lot of thought went into the symbolism for these emblems and I encourage you to spend a few moments to read about the symbolism.

Thanking Vietnam Veterans Today

There is no statute of limitations for honor. And we all need to remember and appreciate that. I think it’s a good thing the US Government decided to embrace the Vietnam Veterans community and commemorate the service and sacrifice they endured on behalf of our nation.

The following video brought a tear to my eye. I hope you will take two and a half minutes to watch it. This video says more in two minutes than I could say with a thousand words.

See the video on YouTubeif the player doesn’t appear.

This video made me appreciate Vietnam Veterans for what they have endured since coming home. Instead of receiving the hero’s welcome many veterans in my generation received, Vietnam War veterans were jeered or ignored. They deserved a hero’s welcome. They did not receive it. Now it’s time to recognize them for their service and sacrifice.

If you know a Vietnam War veteran, please thank them for their service. Take them out for coffee or buy them a meal. Take time to listen to their stories if they are willing to share them. They deserve the respect of our nation.

Image credits: Vietnam War Memorial,Jaybyrdamw78CustomPhotos(used with permission),United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Flag.