Various organizations throughout the DFW area will hold events to commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29. This year will mark the fifth anniversary of the celebration, which was established in 2017 to honor Vietnam War veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service.
The day honors veterans, including those missing in action, organizations that supported U.S. troops in the war, and citizens and allies who provided wartime contributions. It also showcases the advancements made in medicine, science, and technology during the Vietnam War.
Former President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 to establish March 29 as National Vietnam Veterans Day. On that date in 1973, the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam, and the United States Military Assistance Command in Vietnam was canceled.
Additionally, around the same time, the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, reportedly freed the last prisoners of war.
According to Military Benefits, Trump said, “To ensure the sacrifices of the 9 million heroes who served during this difficult chapter of our country’s history are remembered for generations to come, I signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, designating March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.”
“Throughout this Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, and every March 29 thereafter,” he added, “we will honor all those who answered our Nation’s call to duty.”
The day honors soldiers who were on active duty from November 1, 1955, through May 15, 1975, regardless of where they were stationed. Within those 20 years, 9 million Americans served in the war, 6.4 million of whom are still living today.
Approximately 2.7 million U.S. service members were in Vietnam, 58,000 names were etched onto the black granite wall in Washington D.C., 304,000 were wounded, 1,253 were declared missing in action (MIA), and 2,500 became prisoners of war (POW).
The non-profit Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) has announced several events taking place across the nation to honor National Vietnam War Veterans Day, including some unique Facebook challenges. The organization, which has more than 81,000 members nationwide, holds meetings for fellowship, provides resources and healthcare information, and offers opportunities to serve the local community.
In Texas, the Female Veteran Resource Fair, created by Cohen Clinic at Metrocare, will take place at the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center at 4900 South Lancaster Road in Dallas. On March 28, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., the fair will offer information and resources to female veterans.
The American Legion Post 21 is hosting a Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Breakfast on April 2 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. This free event is located at St. Sophia Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church at 5600 North Colony Boulevard in The Colony. There are one hundred seats inside the venue. Veterans and spouses can register here to attend.
The Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike will meet at the Dallas City Hall Plaza at 1500 Marilla Street on May 21 at 8:00 a.m. Veterans will walk between four to ten miles, walking two to three miles per hour with frequent stops. The hike is not open to civilians. The event will offer fellowship, food, and beverages. Registration is $5.
