The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration will host “Welcome Home! A Nation Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families,” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., May 11-13.
This national event will honor Vietnam Veterans and their enduring legacy of service, and inspire Americans to thank them and their families for their service and sacrifice.
On Thursday, May 11 at 11 a.m. ET, a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will open Camp Legacy, located on the JFK Hockey Fields Parade Ground at 1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. Camp Legacy will be open May 11-13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
On Saturday, May 13 at 1 p.m., a multimedia celebration titled “Welcome Home” will be presented at West Potomac Park. This celebration will feature musical performances, dramatic storytelling, and videos portraying the story of our Vietnam Veterans and the enduring legacy of their service. It will also underscore the sacrifices of their families and the contributions of our allies and citizen volunteers who supported American troops during the Vietnam War period.
Visitors to Camp Legacy will be immersed in the legacy of Vietnam Veterans and those who supported them. Activities will include daily musical performances and programs, interactive experiences, Vietnam period helicopter displays, a Veteran services hub and much more. This event will be supported by more than 70 groups, including military bands, honor guard units and drill teams, Gold Star families, POW/MIA organizations, Veterans Service Organizations, government agencies; national, military and Smithsonian museums; high school bands and Junior ROTC drill teams.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense and launched by the President in 2012. By Presidential Proclamation, the Commemoration continues through Veterans Day, November 11, 2025.
The Commemoration honors all Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces at any time from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, as all were called to serve and none could self-determine where they were stationed. Since 2012, more than 3.4 million Vietnam Veterans and their families have been publicly thanked by friends and neighbors during 24,000 ceremonies hosted by our dedicated Commemorative Partners.
Join us for this national-scale event designed to offer our Vietnam Veterans and their families a humble “Thank You” and “Welcome Home” on behalf of the Nation.
For more information visit the Vietnam War 50th website. Join the Nation – thank a Vietnam Veteran.
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To Little To Late
Is there going to be a coin or commerative item given to the Vietnam Veterans? I can’t make it but would appreciate one if they have one.
Thank You
Gary
Ms. Melissa Comeau,
My name is Edward A. Bassett and I am 74 years of age. I was assessed to be 100% disabled in July of 2019. My medical issues actually began to peak in 2005 when I was advised to file a claim for Agent Orange Exposure because of several different issues with my Circulatory, Raspatory, & digestive systems.
I had a team of private doctors diagnose my illness as SARCOIDOSIS that was or could have been cause by my being Exposed to Agent Orange during my TOUR in Vietnam with the USMC in 1969 to 1970. My medical appointments with the VES doctors and a Visit to the VA Hospital in San Francisco I was assessed to be 100% disabled.
I even turned into the VA a case from the early 1960’s where an ARMY Veteran was approved for his Claim due to his Exposure to Agent Orange generated from Exposure to Agent Orange.
In my mind that set a precedence that SARCOIDOSIS can be caused by being Exposed to Agent Orange.
My wife has been caring for me since 2005 but I was assessed in 2019. So until now May 11th, 2023 she wants to be compensated for her care and assistance to me.
I filed for her to be compensated for this effort a few months back and I was contacted by Mr. Hua who stated that we did qualify for the program. When I explained to him that we live in the Philippines, he said that we are disqualified from the program. I asked him why does the requirements not say anything about where you must live.
I am an Ex-Marine from California with the same disabilities no matter where I now live & I need the Healthcare assistance or the compensation for my wife.
If you need details of what she does for me please let me know. To summarize for you now. She helps me do everything, drives me to appointments, pushes me in a wheel chair wherever I have to go.
All of my personal activities she has to assist me with, including getting my cloths ready for me and bathing me etc…
I have bee told that there is some healthcare assistance programs in the Philippines & I am asking for either the Healthcare Assistance in the Philippines Program or the Care giver from the USA Program.
Please let me know what is available to us. I am a, 74 year old Vietnam Veteran who is living on a fixed income from the S.S.N. & Agent Orange monthly assistance. Please acknowledge receipt of this question…
Thank you in advance,
Edward A. Bassett
[Editor: Never ever publish your personal information on the internet. I have removed it from your comment.]
As a VietNam vet who lives in Maryland I won’t be attending the ceremony for us due to health conditions. It saddens me that it took 50 years to have this celebration. Especially since there are not a lot of us left and many trying to just move on.