National Vietnam War Veterans Day

The Vietnam War lasted from November 1, 1955 to the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Today, many Americans are not aware of the sacrifices made by US troops during that war. The Vietnam war was a sort of proxy war against the Soviet Union and, in a larger context, communism itself. Because of the large number of American casualties suffered in the war and widespread disagreement about the need to ever have committed troops to fighting there in the first place, many U.S. citizens were unwelcoming and unappreciative of the US veterans of the war upon their return home.

But in May of 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day - recognizing the efforts of nearly 9 Million U.S. soldiers – men and women alike - for their acts of valor. On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 which formally recognizes the Vietnam veterans under US law and formally adds March 29 to the list of days when the American flag should be flown.

War history

The Vietnam War went on for a period that outlasted five U.S. Presidents. As many as 50,000 U.S. soldiers, men and women, died in the line of duty never to return to their homeland. Those who did make it home, unfortunately did not receive the respectful welcome they deserved.

In fact, it took the country 44 years to recognize the efforts of Vietnam War Veterans who left the comfort of their homes to fight and suffer in a war few people wanted.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Last year U.S. President Donald Trump signed a legislation designating Vietnam War Veterans day as a National holiday. On this day, the Department of Defense will support hundreds of events taking place throughout the country honoring Vietnam War Veterans. .

Some of these events host these war heroes as honored guests celebrating their stories and their act of valor. This year, the Department of Defense conducted a wreath-laying Ceremony at the Vietnam War Memorial March. This ceremony was the first of its kind since the commemoration of this day was established. Find events in your area

The WALL

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a granite wall with names of over 50,000 military combatants who laid down their lives or went missing. It is a symbol of America’s recognition of courage and sacrifice of the U.S. soldiers in the line of duty. The ‘wall’ stands tall in front of Washington Monument and thousands of visitors from all over the world come to see the names of heroes of the Vietnam War. The POW MIA flag has also been a consistently popular way to remember those soldiers who were never found and who never returned home.

Conclusion

Even though the Vietnam War lasted too long and too many lives were lost because of it, there is no question about the bravery and the firm resolution of bringing peace in Vietnam all American soldiers harbored in their hearts.