Posts either hosting or taking part in Vietnam War Veterans Day on or around March 29.
March 29 is set aside as National Vietnam War Veterans Day and provides an opportunity to pay special tribute to the 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War era, to the 58,000 names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and to those who never received the recognition they deserved when they returned to America from war.
The date references the day in 1973 when U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Also on that day, Operation Homecoming was completed, when the last of 591 U.S. prisoners were released and returned to the United States.
Across the country, American Legion posts will either host or take part in Vietnam War Veterans Day events, inviting veterans of the war to their facilities to honor, thank and welcome them home.
The following are just a few events taking place with American Legion involvement. Find an event in your area here.
Alabama
In Madison, American Legion Post 229 is partnering with Redstone Harley-Davidson for a “Grill and Chill” event to honor Vietnam War veterans. Veterans will be provided free hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as live entertainment.
California
In Santa Barbara, American Legion Post 49 is teaming with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 218 and The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation for a community event honoring Vietnam War veterans. The event will consist of a free lunch and ceremony.
Georgia
In Statesboro, Dexter Allen Post 90 in Statesboro is partnering with Ogeechee Area Hospice and We Honor Veterans to host a welcome-home gathering. The event will include a luncheon.
Illinois
American Legion Post 199 in Edwardsville is hosting a Vietnam-era veteran breakfast in partnership with the Metro East Community Rotary Club. The keynote speaker for the event will be Bill Enyart, a retired Illinois Army National Guard major general and former U.S. representative.
Kentucky
In Shepherdsville, the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade will start at Bullitt Lick Middle School and end at American Legion Post 157. Following the parade, the post will provide a free chicken dinner to all Vietnam veterans.
Maine
War Memorial Post 30 in Camden is hosting a luncheon for all Vietnam veterans and their guest. Post 30 Commander and Vietnam War veteran Rev Dave Franclemont will serve as the guest speaker.
Michigan
In Wyandotte, American Legion Post 217 is teaming with other local veterans service organizations for a Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony at the Wyandotte Vietnam War Memorial. Following the ceremony, the public is invited to Post 217 for free pizza and drinks.
Minnesota
In Bagley, American Legion Post 489 is hosting its 11th annual Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day Dinner. All area Vietnam veterans and their guests are invited to attend. Each veteran will receive a complimentary blanket fashioned akin to the American flag while supplies last. The In-County Vietnam Motorcycle Club is providing the free meal, which will be prepared by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 489.
Missouri
In Hannibal, American Legion Post 55 is hosting its second Vietnam veterans dinner. The post is serving a turkey dinner and cake; the program will include guest speakers.
New Jersey
In Neptune, American Legion Post 346’s color guard will take part in the Vietnam War Veterans Day parade. Veterans and the public living in nearby communities are invited to attend.
New York
In Endicott, American Legion Post 82 is hosting an event in conjunction with the Binghamton Vet Center. Vietnam veterans are invited to attend the Southern Tier of New York Vietnam Veteran Recognition Day at the post, where they will be presented with a United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Lapel Pin & certificate.
Ohio
In Mason, Joe Barr Post 194 is teaming with the City of Mason to host a welcome-home parade for Vietnam veterans. A ceremony will follow the parade. Afterward, Vietnam veterans will be invited to tour the Mason community in the Muddy Buddy’s Jeep Wrangler Club vehicles. "Vietnam vets didn't get that welcome home,” said Post 194 Finance Officer Mark Haake, a member of the Mason City Council. "They were told not to wear their uniforms in public. People were spitting on them. It wasn't right." In Newark, American Legion Post 85 is hosting an event to honor Vietnam War veterans that will include a lunch provided by Texas Roadhouse.
Pennsylvania
· In Indiana, American Legion Post 141 is hosting and is one of the partner organizations sponsoring the sixth annual National Vietnam War Veterans Appreciation Day Program. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 141 and Sons of The American Legion Squadron 141 also are event partner organizations.
· In Vandergrift, American Legion Post 114 is hosting a pinning ceremony that will see State Rep. Abby Major provide lapel pins to all Vietnam veterans.
Texas
· In Houston, American Legion Post 41’s annual Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day event will feature personnel with the Missouri Veterans Commission offering assistance with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ questions/claims, a free lunch, games and social time.
· Also in Houston, American Legion Post 586 is hosting a ceremony being coordinated by the Tejano Veterans Association. The event will include music, free food and a special recognition ceremony.
Virginia
In Rocky Mount, American Legion Post 111 is invited all Vietnam War veterans to its recognition dinner and awards program. The post will be presenting Vietnam War 50th anniversary lapel pins during the program.
West Virginia
In Buckhannon, American Legion Post 7 will recognize Vietnam War veterans to an event open to the public. The post will serve ham and beans, cornbread, dessert and drinks.
- Honor & Remembrance