“Join the Nation…thank a Vietnam Veteran” is the slogan for and main focus of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. The Commemoration, sanctioned by Congress and under the direction of the Secretary of Defense, set forth a 13-year plan to honor our Vietnam Veterans. President Barack Obama signed the proclamation that designated March 29 as Vietnam War Day. Later in 2017, President Donald Trump signed the Recognition Act of 2017, which made March 29th National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The date March 29 was significant because the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, was disestablished on that day and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Hanoi also released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.
The Commemoration honors all veterans who served in active duty in the United States Armed Forces at the time from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. No distinction was made between veterans in country, in theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War Period. According to the Commemoration, this includes a total of 9 million veterans who served throughout this time period. The Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County is honored to be an official member of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. Our role as a commemoration partner is to continue to plan and conduct events that recognize the service and sacrifices of Vietnam Veterans and their families.
The purpose of the Commemoration is to fulfill the following objectives under the National Defense Authorization Act:
To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War and their families, with distinct recognition of former POWs, and families of those still listed as MIA.
To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the war.
To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the war.
In honor of all Vietnam War Veterans, please join us on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 141 for our annual National Vietnam War Veterans Day Program. This event is free and open to the public, we do ask that you please RSVP for planning purposes.