VIETNAM WAR

50th Year Commemoration

HONORING AND THANKING ALL WHO SERVED AND SACRIFICED

U.S. Involvement in Vietnam

Vietnam Veterans represented nearly 10% of their generation. They fought under challenging conditions, and when their service ended, were not always welcome when they returned home. President Obama highlighted that one of our country's most painful times was Vietnam and how we treated our service members who served there. “You were often blamed for a war you didn't start when you should have been commended for serving your country with valor,” he said. “You came home and sometimes were denigrated when you should have been celebrated.” The Vietnam War 50th Commemoration is our opportunity to celebrate the Veterans' and families' service and sacrifice.

We honor all who served on active duty in the U.S. Army and their families at any time between November 1, 1955 - May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location.

  • The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that more than 6 million U.S. Vietnam Veterans live in America and abroad today, along with 9 million family members of those who served during this timeframe.
  • We lose more than 500 Vietnam Veterans every day;
    many of those still residing in hospices and long-term care facilities.
  • More than 58,318 names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice are engraved in the black granite of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also known as “The Wall.”
  • March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, uniting Americans to thank and honor Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Vietnam War 50th YEAR Commemoration

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense and launched by President Obama in 2012.

By Presidential proclamation, the Vietnam War Commemoration will continue through Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. Our nation will commemorate this 50th anniversary over a 13-year period.

Video: President Obama Remarks, 50th Vietnam Commemoration Ceremony

Watch video of President Obama's remarks during Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Ceremony, May 28, 2012

MARCH 29: NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

In 2012, President Obama signed a presidential proclamation, designating March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day. The signing of the proclamation marked the 50th anniversary of the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam — March 29, 1973.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by President Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Video: President Trump signs Vietnam War Recognition Act

Watch President Trump sign the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, Nov. 10, 2017

HONOR THEIR LEGACY

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense, and launched by President Obama in 2012 to thank and honor our nation's Vietnam Veterans and their families for service and sacrifice. President Obama officially inaugurated this commemoration at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on May 28, 2012. By Presidential proclamation, the Vietnam War Commemoration will continue through Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. Our nation will commemorate this 50th anniversary over a 13-year period.

We invite you to join us in thanking and honoring Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. Since its inception, the Commemoration publicly thanked more than 3 million Vietnam Veterans at over 21,000 ceremonies.

Image Showing Veterans at Commemoration event Image Showing Veterans at pinning event Image showing Vietnam Veteran and spouse Image Showing Veterans at pinning event Image showing person hanging Commemoration Flag
Image Showing Veteran having moment of reflection Image Showing Veterans at pinning event Vietnam Women Veterans Saluting Image Showing Veterans at pinning event Veterans in prayer

VIETNAM VETERAN LAPEL PIN

Lapel pin

The Vietnam War 50th Commemoration and their Partners throughout the country are presenting lapel pins to Vietnam Veterans, living at home or abroad, who served during the Vietnam War period as a lasting memento of the Nation's thanks.

Living U.S. Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are eligible to receive a lapel pin. Vietnam Veterans who cannot attend an event can receive a lapel pin by providing us a current mailing address.



TIMELINE FOR THE U.S. ARMY IN VIETNAM

The U.S. actions in Vietnam began slowly with the deployment of advisors in the early 1950s and expanded incrementally to include the deployment of combat forces in July 1965. The conflict continued until January 1973, when representatives of the United States, North and South Vietnam, and the Vietcong signed a peace agreement in Paris. U.S. forces returned home over the next few months, with the last military unit leaving on March 29, 1973.

March 29 is a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam Veterans. March 29, 1973, was when the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day, Hanoi released the last of its acknowledge prisoners of war.

View a timeline of other key U.S. Army historical dates that include significant battles of the Vietnam War. Explore the history of U.S. Army units and Soldiers that served.

Provisional Troops M24 Training Vietnam Combat Crandall Thanksgiving in Vietnam
Image Showing Veteran having moment of reflection 173rd Infeantry Preparing for movement Soldiers in trench with M60 1st Calvary Arrives

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