In 2017, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act designating March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Our nation’s Vietnam War Commemoration is an opportunity for all Americans to recognize, honor, and thank our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice during one of the longest wars in our country’s history.

As a commemorative partner, VA joins nearly 10,000 organizations across the nation supporting the Department of Defense in this mission to honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans. I encourage all VA leaders to either host ceremonies or participate in community events during the period March 25 – 29, 2018, to express our tremendous gratitude to this generation of warriors and their families.

The commemoration recognizes all men and women who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the United States’ involvement in Vietnam—November 1, 1955 – May 7, 1975. Nine million Americans, approximately 7.2 million living today, served during that period. The commemoration makes no distinction between Veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or were stationed elsewhere during those 20 years. All answered the call to duty.

Please visit www.vietnamwar50th.com to learn how your organization or facility can become a commemorative partner and participate in this commemoration. VA currently sustains more than 400 commemorative partnerships, and I am so proud of their contributions to honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans.

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63 Comments

  1. E J Mazzei March 16, 2018 at 11:12

    You need to fight hard for your 100% disability for exposure to agent orange. Have your urologist write a letter to the VA for you to send to VA Regional Claims office with your claim. Have your Congressional Representative take your case top the VA. I did an am compensated. I advise a fellow service member to fight this way, he did and is 100% too. Semper Fi.

  2. Philip Gonzalez March 11, 2018 at 09:36

    I have been fighting with the VA for 5years with my lung condition of bronchiotities developed due to my exposure to agent orange in Pleiku and other areas of Vietnam. They still keep denying my appeals. I have been waiting for 1.5 years for a hearing, but nothing. I am 71years old. I guess they figure to wait me out and I will drop dead and won’t have to deal with me any more. They seem to be interested in Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans concerns and to hell with the forgotten vets of Vietnam.

  3. Donald Humphrey March 7, 2018 at 13:45

    I am in the same boat as Joe how do you find out to contact someone to get this pin, not going to waste you time blowing my horn because it aint helped in all these years —- thanks please send me an E-Mail I would appreciate it

  4. Joe Fite March 6, 2018 at 18:22

    I hope someone can help. Possibly a Partner for the VA. I have been trying to find a way to receive the Vietnam Veterans Lapel Pin. I live in Riverview, FL. Riverview is outside of Tampa, FL. I have attended several of the commutative events in the Tampa Bay area. However I have been unable to find out who and where at the events to find the lapel pin.

    It is my hope that a Commutative Partner will see my comment and get in touch with me. I have proof I was in Vietnam from 1969-1970.

    Please send and e-mail with a way to reach you. I will contact as soon as you contact me.

    Thank you very much for your response.

  5. Gary R. King March 6, 2018 at 13:30

    Served in Vietnam 1971 1972. I have bladder cancer, kidney cancer, COPD, high blood pressure. Before I turned 50 I had 2 heart attacks. I had two bypass operations. 7 bypasses
    I currently receive a 10 percent disability from VA for agent orange. We need to be taken care of. I drive 100 miles one way to VA hospital for treatment and don’t even get gas reimbursement. Get with it Shulkin.

  6. Jeff Knight March 6, 2018 at 12:59

    Has Vietnam veterans been singled out as the one group that is not cared for by our VA system? Why as a 100% service connected veteran be denied 100% of all benefite that are part of basic human rights. Why have we been ignored for decades, while younger veterans who get hurt having personal time are cared for while Vietnam veterans are forced to die alone and without medical aid our terrorists seem to be entitled to. I volunteered for Vietnam as a child, served an honorable service then spent decades supporting Navy/AirForce/NASA my remaining years. As a patriot, an American fighting man, when will Vietnam veterans matter to our government?

  7. Chuck McConnell March 5, 2018 at 17:43

    On the ground “Amen” you guys need to get the full “salute” you damn well deserve it! Then again, behind the scene “Era” servers should get a tad bit. I served from 6 June 74 til 30 June 94, I could wear a lot of “Era” hats; yet I don’t. And I don’t get any credit for serving 20 years 24 days and I wasn’t carry a cake the entire walk. Again, I salute all “boot on the ground” and all who’ve serve and all who serve. As of this year I can count 128 years of military service in my family and still have 2 sons in the Navy.

  8. Ralph Thomas March 5, 2018 at 14:14

    February 23rd represents the 49th Year Anniversary of when I was sent to Vietnam. I was 19 years old and stationed in Nha Trang Air Base, Vietnam. I served in a Weather Station Detachment. Initially I arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, and we got hit the first night I was there. What a scarry experience! I didn’t even know where to run to. I dived into a small barracks house which surprisingly had not yet closed its door. The guys there teasingly acted like there was a great dispute on whether to let me stay there. They eventually gave me a helmet and scrapnel jacket and let me stay not only through the bombing but also through the night. Somehow I eventually fell asleep until morning. At that time they graciously drove me to where I was supposed to be before a plane took me to Nha Trang. There were to be any number of bombing attacks after that. However, the first night in Vietnam will always be glued in my memory.

    When I went to law school, I volunteered with the school organization that helped veterans with legal issues.

    Ralph

  9. Leo February 26, 2018 at 20:56

    I fought boots on the ground. Lived to see today but stuck with so many ailments from exposure to Agent Orange yet VA is giving me minimum disability. Lost sense of smell, diabetic and have high blood pressure. Is there a class action lawsuit or does anyone know of resources to help me write up my disability claim to increase %. Living with 50 years of bomb fragments still in my body and arthritis is kicking in thanks to sleeping in the wet jungle/swampland in my early 20s. Where can I get help to get more than the current measly disability that hardly pays for my medical bills when I’m rapidly deteriorating day by day. VA has denied so many of us time and time again. We need a class action lawsuit to show the detrimental effects of Agent Orange on our veterans before it is too late. Advice anyone???

    • Jeff Knight March 6, 2018 at 13:16

      I hope this is Leo. Dude we are on the same path, just inches apart. For decades after Vietnam i supported the military through civil service at Rockwell and Boeing. While healthy i had great insurance caring for my military injuries. I’m a paratrooper and ops team leader who had several parachuting accidents causing sever spinal cord and column injuries. Injuries all part of my 100% rating. Unfortunately i have been denied 100% of everything except drugs. Unfortunately for me, those are being denied now too. No surgeries, no medication, how in hell are we to deal with what we had to do if our own government refuses to do the honorable thing. Ive seen very young veterans who sustained injuries as a veteran and received everything I’ve been fighting for since the 1970-1980’s. I’m on Facebook and welcome your visits to hopefully get you through the hell we both had. For a decade the federal government refused to honor or process my claims while the state of California did. I had only enough cash for housing or food but not both. The final 4 years almost killed me going from 180 pounds to 120. The only benefit, was I’m a Christian and discovered what fasting really does for the spiritual side of man. Today I’m a mess, both physical and emotional. Living or rather existing alone with no family help either. Guess you too have this in your life too. Reply anytime in need at Facebook (redacted)

      • Gary Hicks March 6, 2018 at 15:08

        If Leo requests your contact information, I will provide it to him personally. We do not publish personal contact information.

  10. Cecil Schinke February 26, 2018 at 03:37

    I’m getting a lot of help from the VA but I can see my primary doctor once a year. I don’t see where that is a lot of help. My diabetes people are doing good work. The terrible this is having to stand in lines when you are disabled. Trying to get cooperation from prosthetic with their so called walk in policy where you have to call ahead to see if they have time for you on an appointment day and then hang around and wait just to run out of time and they go home. Overall the VA has made it clear they don’t give a damn about us.

  11. Sandra Lee Wade February 26, 2018 at 00:29

    Thank you VN Veterans who fought boots on the ground and those that supported them. All the Men and Women.
    Although I am considered a VN Veteran, I was NOT boots on the ground and ALWAYS make a point to disclose this. Yes, I was combat trained and assigned Signal Corps. I know I did not experience what they did.
    I am so thankful to the VA now in my life. Don’t know what I would do without them.
    Signed,
    Thankful

  12. Angel Nazario February 25, 2018 at 13:06

    VN 1968-69 for 13 month at MACV advisory team 28 ,originally asigned to a subsector of this team ,but by luck I was keept at the team due to a shortage of security . The subsector was wipeout by the enemy . We were with vietnamese soldiers and civilians 24/7 . I could not sleep , because your enemy could be your VN friend. I still have lot problems .
    I have applied for compensation for orange agent problems and just about all have being denied ,except for my diabetic condition. I had my prostate and bladder removed for cancer …claim …denied , PTSD …denied , Tinnitus, hearing lost ….denied . the only claim approved was my diabetic condition. We the VN veterans have being the must mistreaded veterans of all the US wars. When we returned from VN we were called BABY KILLERS !!!!
    Hope that finally we get some recognition for our service !!!

  13. Gene McCandless February 24, 2018 at 21:32

    As a Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam War in 1968-69, I count my blessings each and every day that I have the family I have, the wife, children, and health that I enjoy in my 67th year. I am also thankful for the line crew foreman job I have at the company I have been with as I am in my 44th year.

    Each and every day I think of those Marines, Army and Naval forces members who have not had the blessings I have been able to enjoy as there life was taken so prematurely. It is with these thoughts that I strive to be a good ambassador for the Vietnam Veteran community and the citizens of the world as a whole.

    I wish good health and fortune to my fellow veterans and their families. I carry the memories of those days so long ago in a land far, far away and I hope that I can bring honor to those whom I represent each and every day.

    Semper Fidelis

    Gene McCandless

  14. Francis g February 24, 2018 at 18:53

    Different face same old song and dance the va stills waste money oh trips overdeas with eife cost va arou n $40000.00 like i said same ol wast does not care for vets

  15. Frank Bryant February 24, 2018 at 17:39

    It’s Radio Battalion 3rd and 5th Marines, this was a special unit, all with top secret clearances! My DD 214 says “Field Radio Operator”!

  16. Thomas Primozic February 24, 2018 at 08:56

    I was in Vietnam in 68 and served in the 1st Infantry Division based out of Quan Loi. Thanks to all of the Vietnam Veterans, we did what was asked of us for this great country of ours. My heart still goes out to all of the KIA, WIA and MIA and your families. I salute you. And to all of the other Vietnam Veterans who came home with medical, emotional or mental issues (The Unrecognized Wounded Warriors) it is about time you are are recognized. God bless you and your families.

    Still Proud To Have Served!!!.

  17. JIM ZASSO February 23, 2018 at 23:30

    I do not need a pat on the back or thank you 50 years latter.

  18. Bob Mesna February 23, 2018 at 17:52

    I have the greatest respect and appreciation as a Vietnam Veteran for help and services provided to me by the VA. Than being said, I volunteered after retirement at a VA clinic starting my 5th year including taking VA on-line classes to be even be more helpful. I did anything staff asked me to do, regardless of what it was to help out and assist fellow veterans, and I was excellent at it. Then I needed to obtain a new ID card with a chip for continued computer access. This went on and on for 6 months of not being able to obtain the chip card and then I quit. My 42 miles RT was a waste of time sitting around doing nothing most of the time when I had computer access before. The Minneapolis Volunteer office just doesn’t care. This was a huge disappointment. What a waste!

  19. henry dechert February 23, 2018 at 17:49

    kudos to all vietnam vets. you truly deserve the recognition. when do the korean vets get their due. i am a korean vet. god bless.

  20. Daniel M Lotto February 23, 2018 at 17:40

    I had an aerobic valve replaced along with 6 bypasses due to agent orange. I am getting 10% disability. Should I be getting more? Please comment. Thank you.

    • Daniel M Lotto February 23, 2018 at 21:09

      That would be aeortic valve.

      • Curtis Watkins March 1, 2018 at 06:07

        Get a va representative and file an appeal.

  21. Daniel m lotto February 23, 2018 at 17:09

    I had valve replacement and 6 bypasses do to agent orange and I am getting 10 percent disability. That seems very little for what I went through. Should I be getting more.please let me know. Thank you.

    • Bessie M , Ahten February 24, 2018 at 10:16

      I think you should. My Husband got 80%. Go back in to the VA. an get your health reviewed. Good luck

      • Curtis Watkins March 1, 2018 at 06:03

        I understand my brother we were recieved back in the state with no respect. Only since 9/11 are we being spoken of. Today, its thank U for your service, 40yrs ago we were called everything but a child of God

  22. William Fisher February 23, 2018 at 16:30

    Thank you all for your service. I served in Viet Nam in 1967. It was a different time back then. You were supposed to serve your country because you loved it. Now that we have a bunch of pacifist in DC trying to run this country, I am afraid for my kids and grandkids. Hopefully Trump will drain the swamp.

    I still have some ghost in the closet but after 50+ years, it does not bother me as much as it use to. I wish you all well and may God bless you.

  23. stoney hewitt February 23, 2018 at 15:18

    served onboard USS GREAT SITKIN AE17 GULF OF TONKIN I’M HAPPY I’M HOME AND I’M HAPPY THE V.A. TAKES CARE OF ME VERY WELL SO. FAR..IT COULD CAHNGE REAL FAST..(HOPE NOT )..SLEPT ON150 TONS OF BOMBS AND MOTAR .AND MISSLES AND BATTLE SHIP AMMO. GOOD DAY .

  24. William Pearson February 23, 2018 at 14:26

    The VA has changed for me. 1972 was a joke if you were a Ranger officer and needed help. The VA had no empathy. I went back to thevVA got the help I needed since 72. It is like scar tissue they realized I was 24 and had issues. I am 72 and Vietnam and combat are with me 24/7. I fee that veterans are anomalys because people forget or have no empathy because it was long ago.

  25. WILLIAM KARP February 23, 2018 at 13:45

    WON’T POST IT? SCREW YOU!

  26. WILLIAM KARP February 23, 2018 at 13:43

    TOO LITTLE TOO LATE! FOR WE AND THOSE THAT HAVE PASSED AWAY, YOU CAN BURY ME FACE DOWN SO YOU CAN KISS MY ARSE!
    50 YEARS AND WE GET THIS ?
    YOU FORGAVE ALL THE COWARDS THAT DID NOT SERVE AND YOU WANT TO PAT US ON THE ASS?
    “F O”!
    COMBAT MEDIC 2 bs/v PURPLE HEART….

  27. DHolguin February 23, 2018 at 13:20

    And after 50yrs ..America is getting it because most of those needing this recognition are seeing it at Our VA Health Center and of course our local Vet Center today !

    and, I’m getting the help I didn’t know I needed ….. found out I had PTSD ALL THESE YEARS.

    Thank You VA administration—— I, as well as “All Vets” are seeing these new policy’s coming to the forefront.

    DH

  28. David Hawn February 23, 2018 at 12:59

    More Veterans need dental care.

    • Tom Tingle February 23, 2018 at 21:39

      Most vets need dental care, and it’s not cheap.

  29. DENNIS A HELLER February 23, 2018 at 12:31

    Promise’s were made at the ””TIME”””’ of enlistment. Promise’s were broken to this day… DON’T Get me wrong but the way were are today is still the same 55 or so years later. PROOF is my–D-D-2-1-4- THE –VA– DO E’S a good job. BUT”!!!!

  30. Lee Anderson February 23, 2018 at 12:29

    Received this Feb 23rd.

  31. Lee Anderson February 23, 2018 at 12:28

    Got this Feb 23rd

  32. Gwendolyn Wilson February 23, 2018 at 11:52

    My husband was a Vietnam Veteran, who passed away September 18,2017,and I don’t know who to talk to about a widower pension.application have been sent Oct.18 and then I receive a letter not to contact them they will contact me,but I am just angry my life is turned upside down.Congrats on such a commemoration

    • Bessie M , Ahten February 24, 2018 at 10:31

      Go to the VA. Health Clinic, there should be some one there who can help you, or a VFW. Post in your town they will help you or tell you where to go to get help.

    • Margaret Mingura February 28, 2018 at 18:56

      To: Gwendolyn Wilson,
      2/28/2018 – I just saw your post on the VA email I received promoting the National Vietnam War Veterans Day coming up this March 29,2018. I think this will be the 1st one bcz Pres. Trump signed the National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act.
      I got ignored by the VA, after my husband died in 2006 of Vietnam War agent orange/other war injuries. I did not know what to do!! Nobody from the VA helped me. My friends who were in the military, finally told me, don’t wait on the VA, they will keep sending you the same computer-generated letter that they will contact you. Never happened! They told me, you contact your nearest congressman, in their offices they have 1-2 persons designated to handling all Veteran and vet widows questions re: your benefits, etc. Since I live in Ft. Worth, TX, mine is Congresslady Kay Granger. Find out who yours is. I promise they will be of GREAT HELP to you!! God bless you, HE’s on your side, Margaret PS. After you get this whole process started, hope you get a chance to reply to my post. :)

  33. Donnie Hill February 23, 2018 at 11:40

    The VA should focus one hundred percent on providing health care to all veterans including paying for recent doctor visits under the Veterans Choice Program and should also provide transportation for veterans who can not drive by paying for local public transportation to bring them.

    • Margaret Mingura February 28, 2018 at 18:48

      To Donnie Hill,
      2/28/2018 – I just saw your post on my email I received from the VA where they’re promoting the Vietnam War Veterans Day this March 29, 2018.
      There must be some way to get this simple, but so important benefit, as transportation for you and other Vets. What benefits does the Veterans Choice Program already provide? Maybe you can find the right contact person; I know that probably means we have to go thru a ton of people to get to the right one, but its worth the time/energy to do this. Do you have anybody helping you in this pursuit?? My name is Margaret, I’m a Vietnam Vet widow, my husband Joe died in 2006 from Agent Orange, other war injuries. Hope you get my reply. Don’t give up on all your needs being met, God is on your side.
      God bless, Margaret

  34. TIMothy HOOEY February 23, 2018 at 11:00

    Thats bull’ the only one who counts is those who had boots on in country! MR Trump signed Vietnam War Veterans Recognition.I don’t see ERA vietnam vets.Don’t drag them into people who died for there country.For Me and othher’s will not stand with them!

    HOOT””

    • Gary D. carson February 24, 2018 at 14:35

      You need to get a life. I respect you as a vet, but where would you have been without the support from those of us who served here in the states. We were all ready to go and although we were never sent we still did our part. My Dad served in North Africa in World War II but respected all who served even if they never went overseas.
      So get over your ego trip and show respect to all who served and are serving.

      • Patti McCurdy February 28, 2018 at 15:09

        I believe the word Era has been removed from that Veteran designation.
        Proudly served ’72-’74 Stateside

    • David mccrum March 5, 2018 at 17:47

      Yes he included era veterans if you read it it states who served during the time period I volunteered for Vietnam and they did not send me they sent all the US draftees fiirst because they did not to be there in the first place, that’s how the government works

  35. Don Gavenda February 23, 2018 at 10:43

    It’s a shame the importance of seeing the 50th on the wreath somehow escaped the photographer.

  36. Juan m gpnzales February 23, 2018 at 10:36

    Thanks to all the vets who served. I was their in 1966-1967 navy river patrol. Welcome home.

  37. Victor Davis February 23, 2018 at 10:34

    About time we were recognized.

  38. Walter Burke February 23, 2018 at 10:27

    Remember the 134 who were killed on July 29, 1967
    onboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the Tonkin Gulf.

  39. Jason Traxler February 23, 2018 at 10:26

    Never heard of Nixon’s recon Marines. Who were they?

  40. John J Jenkins February 23, 2018 at 10:25

    I was in Vietnam in 69/70 and served in the 1st Marine division. I am honored to have served my country, but when I came home I was spit on and called baby killer. I have put some of my dislike towards the American people, but I still remember and it still hurts. It took 40 years for the VA to help me. It took these new wars to get the Veterans Affaires to start helping Vietnam Veterans. I would serve my country again. Semper FI !!

    • Alan Frankel March 8, 2018 at 16:15

      John, You are a hero that millions of people had no use for.
      Thank you for your service, it was appreciated.
      ASF. US Navy, Vietnam 1968-1969.

  41. Missy Nelson February 23, 2018 at 10:24

    As a homeless provider for the SSVF program I am still seeing Viet Nam era Veterans experiencing homelessness and not connected to anything VA. God bless them for their service and may their struggles come to resolve soon.

    • Margaret Mingura February 28, 2018 at 18:41

      2/28/2018
      To Missy Nelson,
      I read your post on the email I received from the VA promoting National Vietnam War Veterans Day on 3/29/2018. I think this is the first one, since Pres. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act. I am a Vietnam Veteran Widow, my husband died in 2006.
      Can you tell me what is a SSVF homeless provider?? I am finally getting ready to purchase land, have wanted to do something for Viet Nam vets, to honor my husband, died bcz of Agent Orange & other war injuries. Would like to provide shelter/care for veterans in need, could you point me in right direction how I could get started. Thanks much, Margaret Mingura

  42. Sgt Castillo February 23, 2018 at 10:14

    Or the entire missing squadron the 81st CRS from RAF Bentwaters. Now a Cold War museum. Someone is re- writing history!!! It was a classified support group!!!

  43. Lawrence Motzer February 23, 2018 at 10:10

    The life of a Vietnam Veteran has been one of surviving exposure from Agent Orange and other chemicals which have Caused many illnesses for many of our Vietnam Veterans! We need more answers about the Presumptive illnesses that should be addressed so that the Veterans suffering from theses Presumptive illnesses be given compensation for these illnesses!!!

    • Wayne Burdette February 23, 2018 at 17:22

      For my time in Viet Nam I am fighting tooth and nail to receive compensation for my coat of agent orange. I have C.O.P.D. along with having had a heart operation back in 2001. No matter what you attempt to receive it takes over two years and that’s a good time. As of today I am 75 years of age and receive about $1000 a month and most likely will never receive anything else at my age. Makes a man wonder about the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Hope you guys are doing a lot better than I am. God bless you all.

  44. William Prowse February 22, 2018 at 21:29

    Yep unless your one of Presdent Nixon’s Recon Marines like me that never showed up on dd214s

    • John Davis February 23, 2018 at 12:03

      It wasn’t just Recon that never managed to make it into “the official record”

      • Frank Bryant February 24, 2018 at 16:41

        Affirmative, I was a “Special Radio Operator “ with a top secret security clearance, but on my DD214 shows “Field Radio Operator”!

    • William Prowse March 9, 2018 at 18:35

      Yeah i tried so far to get them to gove me benifits but cant get it thanks to Nixon.

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