"upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the anniversary of the Vietnam War." 
- Barack Obama

The Vietnam War lasted from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975. Today, many Americans are not aware of the sacrifices made by the millions of US troops during that war. In May 2012, President Barack Obama announced that March 29, was officially named Vietnam Veterans Day.

The intention of this day is to recognize the efforts of nearly 9 million U.S. soldiers – men and women alike - for their acts of valor.

War History

To help put it in perspective, this war lasted almost 25 years and outlasted 5 U.S. Presidents. Millions of military personnel served in the war, and over 50,000 soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty. While over 600 POW returned home, there are still over 1,500 soldiers are still unaccounted for according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. To those who did return home, unfortunately, it wasn’t the warm welcome that they deserved because of the controversy around the war.

In all actuality, it took over 44 years for our country to recognize the efforts and tragedy of the Vietnam war veterans who left the comforts of their home to fight in a war that few people wanted to fight in to begin with.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

While President Obama made March 29th Vietnam Veterans Day in 2012, Trump took it a step further in 2017 and signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act making it an official national holiday. The Act also includes the day among those days on which the US flag should especially be displayed. On this day each year, the Department of Defense will support hundreds of events taking place throughout the country honoring Vietnam War Veterans.

A great way to help show your support on this day is to fly your POW/MIA or your Vietnam Veterans of America flag. 

The Wall

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a black granite wall and inscribed on it are the names of more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives or remain missing. The Memorial is dedicated to honor the courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty and the country of all who answered the call to serve during one of the most divisive wars in U.S. history. The wall stands tall in front of the Washington Monument and thousands of visitors from all over the world come to see the names of heroes of the Vietnam War.

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 to Vietnam that all American soldiers harbored in their hearts.