National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29. Organizers canceled or postponed many events to slow the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing. Veterans are encouraged to stay connected and participate in virtual events.
Here’s a list of some of those events.
On VA social media
For Veterans with a Facebook account, they can download a frame at http://www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=1283448505177118 to place a picture and show their pride for serving. The frame shows the Vietnam War Veteran day pin and the text “Proud Vietnam War Veteran.”
For anyone who wants to show appreciation for Vietnam War Veterans, an additional frame is at http://www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=539877446965802. The frame shows the Vietnam War Commemoration logo and the text “I support Vietnam War Veterans.”
VA will also release two short videos on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs, Twitter at https://twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/deptvetaffairs/.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will host an online commemoration March 29 with a live webcast and messages of thanks at https://www.facebook.com/VietnamVeteransMemorialFund/.
Record a short video and upload it by Friday, March 27, and then watch the event online on March 29 at 1:00 pm ET. Veterans can also leave a written message. Go to: www.vvmf.org/WelcomeHome.
Vietnam Veterans of America
Vietnam Veterans of America, or VVA, wants to see photos, poems, artwork and music on their Facebook page March 27. The comment with the most “Likes” will win a prize from the national office.
On March 29, Vietnam Veterans can share their service photos on the VVA Facebook page as the nation remembers heroes for their service and sacrifice.
Vietnam Veterans can share their favorite C-Ration recipe or meal on the VVA Facebook page March 30. The winner with the most “Likes” will win a prize from the national office.
Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/VietnamVeteransofAmerica/.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Veterans of Foreign Wars will have a virtual event March 29 on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/2839254569495278/. They encourage people to share appreciation for Vietnam Veterans on that day.
Memorial unveiling
The National POW/MIA Monument to those from the Vietnam War unveiling is now virtual. Ralph Galati, former prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton, will be a featured speaker at the online event. The event is noon March 29 on the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pvvmfund/.
Living U.S. Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are eligible to receive one lapel pin.
Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins
The Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin has become “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 of November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are eligible to receive one lapel pin.
Normally, these lapel pins are presented during a dignified, public ceremony to individual Vietnam Veterans. However, given the global pandemic, most commemorative events have been postponed, while others have been rescheduled for next year.
As a unique alternative during this challenging period, The Vietnam War Commemoration is encouraging Vietnam Veterans to submit a request for their lapel pin via email at whs.vnwar50th_events@mail.mil. At the earliest opportunity, Veterans will receive a lapel pin in the mail.
The commemoration is also asking Veterans to share videos, photos and message on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VietnamWar50th, Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/vietnamwar50th, and Instagram channel at https://www.instagram.com/vietnamwarcommemoration/.
Team RWB Vietnam War Veterans Day Challenge
In recognition of all who served in the Vietnam War, Team RWB is offering a virtual Vietnam War Veterans Day Workout of the Day (WOD). The challenge includes exercises like squats, push ups, and a run or walk. Veterans can complete the challenge at home on their own schedule, at their own pace, alone or with a partner. Team RWB asks participants to give it their all and to pause, remembering those who served and sacrificed.
Access the challenge through the Team RWB App or at https://www.teamrwb.org/event/vietnam-veterans-day-challenge-virtual/.
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65 to74 Da Nang When the war ended I ended. 1965 Texas, Mississippi, 1966 New Mexico, 1967 Texas, 1967 Idaho, 1967 Thailand, 1967 Laos, 1968 Vietnam, 1968 Arizona, 1969 Japan, 1970 Thailand,1971 Spain, 1972 England, 1973 New York, 1974 Arizona, 1974 divorced, 1975 homeless and severe PTSD, on and on. Montana
1968 69,70, 101 airborne ranger yes i would like a pin
I was an Air Force veteran stationed at the AFB in Phan Rang, Vietnam. I worked field maintenance on the AC119 gunships designated Shadow and Stinger. I repaired infrared sensors, night observation scopes and bore sighted the mini guns.
To ALL my fellow Vietnam compatriots. PROUD TO HAVE SERVED!
Ruben, I was awarded/handed that Vietnam lapel pin on two different Vietnam Veteran occasions and now have duplicates. I didn’t realize it until I went to pin the second one on my hat. I was with the 18th Engineer Brigade in III Corps, from Mar 66 to Mar 67. We were a Panel Bridge engineer unit. Were you on the Oriskany when they had the fire?
Bruce
I served from Feb 68 to Oct 69. I would like a pin. I was with the 9th infantry, and we didn’t get a “welcome home”.
I would like a Vietnam lapel pin. Served on us oriskany 62 to 65.
I’m proud to have served in the Vietnam War.
I would like a pin.
US Marines April1966 to Sept 1970
Aircraft VMA 331 Beaufort, S Carolina
Served two combat tours Viet Nam not really my best years but I would do it again in a heart beat.Nearly got put in jail by airport security before I even left airport.. Got called baby killer by a group of protesters. Not a wise thing to say to people less than 24 hrs from intense firefight with the cong.. Served with 25th Inf. Div. lost several men and loaded many more in choppers for the last ride. Got involved with VA about 10 ago and can not say enough about the high quality of Med. received since then. But ashamed at what likely is the sme group of people who I dealt with at the Airport have done to our country. It is not the same country I served for, not even close.Please wake up America before its to late!
Welcome home brothers. It’s a long time passing that we made it here. I’m grateful for everyone and their efforts. Northern I Corps July ’69-July’70. 1/5 Mech 11B Rd Diamond.
And I whole heartedly agree with Kevan Flanagan regarding the Facebook stuff. Beyond the unscrupulous practices of the little dweeb, I am also not a FB’er. I did it at the veery beginning when I realized what a BS thing it was, and I closed my account and never went back. I resent places that only use FB as a method of communication. Sadly for them, I am not supporting their blind sided positions, ever.
Welcome home to all vets. You are right we never got recognition when we came home. Ist infantry division (BIG RED ONE). Feb 8 1967 to Feb 1968. 1/16 inf. Rangers. Base.camp lai Khe SGT E-5. For those of you that are requesting the lapel pin , theres an E mail address in the third paragraft under the heading for Lapel Pins
I would like to receive a Vietnam Veterans label pin. I was drafted in 1965 in Detroit MI., went to Ft Hood for basic and later to FT Bragg for MP school. I arrived in country in mid 1966 and left in late 1967. I was stationed in Qui Nhon RVN with the 93rd MP BN /66th MP Brigade.
I proudly server proudly in Vietnam in the US Air Force as well as the other 3 years that I served in the military.
I proudly server in Vietnam in the US Air Force as well as the other 3 years.
101st airborne 2/506 Aco. 70-71 ,11 B
USN 1966-70. I-Corps area ’68-’69. HM3 – HM2 with Kilo3/5, 3rd Plt, spent time with M Co. Operations: Allen Brook, Mameluke Thrust, etc. Time in Danang area, An Hoa, Haivan Pass (Hwy 1), Lang Co, Hill 10, Hill 35, Phu Bai. Also Golf Battery 3/11,( Hill10). Give “Doc” Liedman a shout. Now in Chesapeake, VA.
Thank you for this welcome and recognition. This helps me to continue on in life w/o pinned up emotions about my vn service! Thank you for your service!
I am a retired USAF MSgt and did two tours in Vietnam 1967-1968 during the Tet offensive and 1971-1972 and would like to receive the Vietnam Veteran Lapel pin. I tried using the site given on the VFW Action Corps. to no avail.
Served in Army from 1970 until 1977. I would like a Vietnam Veteran lapel pin.
To all my brothers fighting PTSD with me
We can’t give up
WELCOME HOME!,,
I was station at Langley AFB and spent 2 TDYs and my last year in country with the 463 TCW and the 772 TCS. A lot of great people and was on honor flight to Washington and was in operation Ranch for 20 years top 5 of 5000 guys. Still working with Vets for there rights. Going to do a Veitnam day at our Legion but got close down for now. Hope all is well with everyone an gave a great March 29 you deserve it.
Crewchief C 130 Herkie Hog , in country 66&67 29th TCS . Welcome home fellow vets! God bless the U.S.A. Would also like the pin.
Spent many years in the service. First 6 in 1st in the 1st Cav as a grunt. Flew in Hueys all over Southeast Asia. Pilots and gunners saved my life a couple of times. Spent time as a guard and a patient in a MASH. Great people. Never forget Semper Paratus. Welcome home to those that served.
OMG….fifty years ago…70-71 VietNam Cambodia.. 1/7 Cav, 1st Cav Division GRUNT ! I was a teen- anger then. Ignorant of what war really was. Watched too many war shows on tv, Combat, Rat Patrol,Hogan’s Hero’s. Kept waiting for the cheering parades, the pat on the back. Today I wouldn’t wish war on my worst enemy. One you experience war, it’s with you til the end. I miss my brothers that fought by my side, some not making it home. I found a brother after looking for forty years, Sgt Gary Waldanski, my neighbor. We’d talk for hours almost every day, about the war. He passed away last June. Miss ya bro. God bless my bother vets, we will meet again some day, for we are one.
U S Navy Seabees from 1966 to 1969. Two tours RVN. Chu Lai and Phu Bai during Tet Offensive. Glad to see recognition finally. Arrived home 1970 and learned not to mention military or Vietnam because it was a violent topic and deemed to be my fault. Will never forgive that callous behavior. Enjoy being asked about it today and able to discuss what we did.
I am Emmett C Wade and was in the US Navy from 9/66 to 5/70 I was On the USS Parsons DDG 33 and after it was commissioned and trained we went to the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam and I was there for 5-6 months ending in 1969 when I was transferred to the US Support Activity Danang. After training on Coronado I arrived in Danang in April-May 1969 where I served in the Operations Control Center which was first located in the White Elephant and later in the Light House at the entrance of Danang harbor. Our primary job was loading boats (LCUs, YFUs, barges, etc.) with supplies of all kinds and tracking the boats that proceeded north to the border with North Vietnam or south to ChuLia and other posts from Danang north to the DMZ. My memory says the number of boats and barges was about 150. In about Sept 1969 was medevacked to Guam for surgery to remove a Pilonidal Cyst. Blood tests at that time showed Malaria so I was kept until my blood was clear of the parasites which was about New Years. I received orders to another ship but after writing my Congressman those orders were changed to return me to Danang. From there I was sent to LongBeach for discharge in May 1970. That was an early date but was correct as President Nixon had ordered we be discharged if we had less than 1 year left after leaving Vietnam. This was great as it allowed me to start Law School in August 1970.
I served in the Navy from 1969 – 1973 on the USS Theodore E. Chandler DD717. Anchored in Da Nang harbor and Cam Ran Bay as well as many other duty stations while at sea . Many days and nights were spent conducting NGFS operations. Da Nang harbor was contaminated by agent orange and some of my shipmates have already died and others are suffering from the exposure. It’s very sad how blue water veterans have been treated.
Nevertheless, I’m a proud Tin Can Sailor.
Thanks for the recognition and Vietnam Vet Day. It’s been a long time coming.
Hard to believe it’s been over 50 yrs.
1965-67, South Central Vietnam.
My prayers to all DAVs. God bless those who didn’t return.
I would like a
Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin
I served in the Navy and did 2 tours to Vietnam from 1971 to 1974.
The USS New Orleans LPH11
I was an IC2 and miss my friends that I served with.
Didn’t get much of a welcome home college students protesting all the time. But after 40 years I am now enjoying my veteran status and people say thank you for your service.
Thank you to all that have served and to all that are serving now God bless and keep you safe.
Juan I served in vietnam the same time period was with the 1/7Cav,I was a grunt,also same locations as you.The 227th was our chopper rides,you might’ve had me as a passenger,
You guys saved my ass a few times.Not many of us left.Thank
You for your service and”Welcome Home”.Wish you good Health.
I was in Viet Nam 2/1 Cav air mobile and 1/4th Cav air mobile. 67Thru 68. I cherish my CIB and I was the only person I know of that got drafter on my birthday. enough said.
Love my country.
Is there a virtual tour of the memorial available?
HQ 144th /224th Avn Bn 509th RRG (ASA) 67B20, 67N20 69-70 Na Trang, An Khe, Da Nang, Long Than (Bearcat) Always Vigilant.Brent Ostwald
I’m a Vietnam veteran 1968-1969 Saigon – then Korat , how do I get a pin please?
Gary Vietnam vet
Hey Brother, I got mine last year. I went to Quantico cemetery for Memorial day ceremonies and was given one as well as several others. I believe the VA has them.
50 years to late… I enlisted for 2 years in Marine Corp December 11, 1968 first year with H & S 5th Tracks, 5th Marines. Transferred to H & S Co 2nd Marines, Camp Lejeune, January, 1970 Guard Duty for the MAD and FAD for 11 months.
“Semper Fi” to My Brothers and Sisters, Proud To Be A Marine With You.
In 1970 I became one of Hundreds of Thousands of Contaminated Water Poisoned Marines. I Am Proud of Being A Marine, and Ashamed of the USMC Commandants and The Department Of The Navy that knew about the Contaminated Poisoned Water and Hid This Deadly Situation from 1952 until the Late, Late1990’s – early 2000’s. When I received written notification of “Possible Medical Problems.”
This Possible Medical Problems, explains why my wife and I Lost our 1st Born Daughter to Trisomy 13D in March of 1976 and explains why I now have Cancer. I filed with the VA for “Wrong Death” for our Daughter, and Just Like Our Current President,
says, “I, Do Not Accept Any Responsibility” our VA Claim Denied.
I served in Vietnam 1n 1967,1969,1970 I would like a pin.
Proudly served in the United States Army from 1974- 1977. Was at Pan Moon Jom during operation ” Paul Bunion”.
I would gladly do it again for the love of my country!
I served in the US Navy 1965 – 1969. I spent most of this on the East coast, Europe and Iceland, never serving in the War zone. I have always supported those that did. You are all Heros to me!
I am proud to be a wife of a vietnam veteran..Curtis Wayne Cole .From 1966…67…68…My husband passed away on the 28th of November 2019…I’ll miss him…Thank u my love for serving our country…Thank u..
Mary Cole
We were soldiers once..and young
I served in the U. S. Navy from 1966 – 1970 aboard the U. S. S. Nicholas DD449. She saw service in WW II as well as Vietnam, and was present in Tokyo Harbor with the U.S.S. Missouri for the signing of Japan’s surrender. She was a great ship. I served on her from June, 1966 until her decommissioning in January 1970. It was an honor to serve on her.
A very well deserved, Heartfelt Salute to all my Vietnam Brothers-at-Arms and specifically to fellow CIB holders. As flash-backs of that combat-lived Vietnam part of my life still very much vivid on my mind to this day, I have nothing but praise, respect and admiration for those that still living and my deepest-felt prayers for those that made the ultimate sacrifice. I served in Vietnam from August 1967 to August 1968 and was assigned as a Helicopter Gunship Door-Gunner to “D” Co. 3rd PLT 227th Assault Helicopter BN 1st CAV Div. (Airmobile) in locations such as; An-Khe, Phan-Thiet and Camp Evans. Constantly faced death in Combat Flight missions during the Major Battles of; Khe Sanh (January 21 – April 9, 1968) -which was one of the longest and deadliest battles of the Vietnam War, The Tet Offensive (January 30 – March 28, 1968), the Battle of Hue and the initial Assault of the A-Shau Valley, in which my helicopter was shot-down and I resulted with Head, Back and Chest Trauma as well as Bullet Wounds… I had plans to visit The Wall this year from PR on March 29 and place my hand on the many names of my fellow comrades that are eternally inscribed there but for obvious reasons due to COVID-19 restrictions I won’t be able to. My brothers/sisters Viet Vets, We are in fact an Endangered Species and as such, Be Proud of Yourself no matter what, for what WE did was defend our Beloved Flag, and thanks to this website for allowing us to vent our feelings…
JUAN MARQUEZ
1SG E-8 USA (RET)
Thank You For Vietnam VETS Day
My father James E Cryer served Vietnam Era October 1965-1967. I am his POA and he would love to have a pin and I want to try and get all his bars/pins he deserves he has agent orange lung cancer and nobody ever told him Thank you daddy for serving our country!!!
thank you for Vietnam vets day
I;m a Vietnam vet from 1968 to 1970. I would like to have a lapel pin
Served with 11th cav L troop 3rd never was spit on but there were other things happening . Then I joined a biker club. No one had a thing to say! 66-67. Xuan Loc .
I served in the USAF aug 67 – Sept 87. Tan Son Nhut AB Viet Nam 1969 – 1970. I would like a pin.
Max, I’m sure you remember 4 Dec 1969 when Tan Son Nhut was attacked by the VC. I was a Army MP who just happened to be on my way to the Third Field Hospital to check on the MP Security Guard when the midnight sky turned into day. My driver and I pulled over on the side of the road and engaged as many of the VC we could see. We had limited ammo but the two of us racked up quite a total of hits. The AF Security Team was able to repel them with only minimum damage to the air craft. I think it was the only time Tan Son Nhut was attacked. Welcome Home Brother!
I was proud to serve my country even though I did not go overseas. Being stationed in the U.S. for my tour of 4 years was not exactly the best of circumstances. I got heckled every time I went off base.
I was stationed at: McGuire Air Force Base
New Jersey
438th Civil Engineering Sqdn
Carpenter – Prime Beef
1969 thru 1973
Please send me a 50th Anniversity.Pin
George A. Nahm
Thanks
Retired 20 years in the Army National Guard,RVN vet 69-70 Welcome Home. Yes would like a pin
I served aboard the USS Grasp (ARS-24) in the area of DaNang from Dec 1968 to Apr 1970. I already got my Viet Nam Vets service pin. I’m not on Facebook so any Viet Nam Vets memorials you put on Facebook are useless to me. I was banned from Facebook and Twitter several years ago and I refuse to go back to either one of them.
Tweeter has banned me for calling out a twit for lying about a person i served with on the KAWISHIWI AO146. 70/73. His language was worse than mine he wasn’t banned. So far fb hasn’t banned me.
God Bless all our veterans. I served in the U.S. NAVY from 1966 to 1969. I went to VIETNAM three times and am dam proud of my service. I feel sorry for the boys who hid from the draft.
Served in country 67/68 with the 19 TASS & III DASC, and again with 6498 SPS 72/73. Would do it it all over again with no regrets. Some of my friends made it home and some didn’t. I’ll always remember them.
Still not happy with recognize the Vietnam vet deal with a lot of depression maybe I live in a dome but I didn’t know there was a special day for Vietnam vet day and I’m a veteran 1966-1968 do others know it maybe it should be publisized
It is so good to see our soldiers return to our country with the support and respect that they deserve. During the period of about 1965 to 1975 our commanders advised us not to even wear our class A uniform while returning to our homes for fear of being assaulted verbally and/or physically. I experienced this personally after being called a “baby killer”. I responded by punching this SOB. I was immediately arrested by the Chicago O’hare Police department. I regret none of this. The police were nice to me. They were veterans also.
No one spit on me or my U.S. Army Class A uniform when I landed in Omaha after flying home from South Vietnam in late 1971. My Dad, my mother, my sister and two of my brothers were there to greet me. Tears flowed freely, and that was the best “welcome home” I could have asked for. I salute all those who served and made it home. I mourn for all those — including four close friends — who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless the USA!
I served in Korea DMZ 1970-1972. 2nd Infantry Division 5th Battalion 38th Field Artillery Camp Saber. I would like to hear from anyone serving there same place, same time.
Gary O’Neal
I served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 at chi lai with mass-3 would like the pin
I was a crew chief with the 283rd Medical Detachment, DustOff, in 1971 – 1972 and now live in Savannah, Georgia.
Savannah is the home of NineLine apparel Google it. They donate a large amount of their profits to veterans and
to sites that have suffered from catastrophes.
17th AHC, then reborn as B Co 101st AHC, Camp Eagle 68-69, to those who made it home congrads to those that didn’t you will all ways be remembered. Thanks TO ALL WHO SERVED.
I was a crew chief with the 159th Medical Detachment,Dustoff in 1971-1972 also. I now live in Murphy NC
Welcome home Brother….served Nov 68-69 Headquarters co. 101st….Even though we had to do a lot of S… details, I had the greatest respect for General Melvin Zais, He was FOR his troops and their well-being. Glad you made it home safely and I am extremely thankful to have done the same……Stay well……Live long & prosper
Spec. 4 Ken Mayer
I served in the US Navy form 1966 to 1970.
I would like to receive the Veteran’s Pin.
1972 I got agent from Bomb Storage USAF.
I have sought other survivors but to no avail.
Can y’all help me find similar veterans with same?
Phil…lotterly #49 for 18 yr old youth..all fun sure!
Phil–when you used the word agent, if you are referring to agent orange, I can share my experience with you. The effects on my heart and lungs have been progressive over the last 40 years. Please contact me if you want to. Tom Bridges US Army 1968-1080–Vietnam Vet 1970/71. Thank you for your service– God Bless.
I am very proud to served during 1966-68 for the
24th Infantry Div. ,9th Cav. ARMY.
Love the virtual VN vet piece….many thanks to our vets and those helping to remember their service and families.
Jim Jackson
MG USA Ret
Director
Vietnam War Commemoration
Great program
Thank you for the Vietnam Veteran’s Day it is right and just.
John Howard Burch II
I would like a Viet nam pin. thank You. I am having a HARD TIME Living on my Vet Pay. I Could really see a little More. Thank You Very Much
How do I apply for and receive a Vietnam War Lapel Pin. I was with the 27th Inf., 25th Div.. that was in Thailand in 1962.
I was with 1st TC Battalion on USNS Corpus Christi Bay during the initial ride to Vietnam 1966-67. We were heavy Army aircraft maintenance in Cam-Rahn bay. 364 days at sea.
Early out in 67 and headed to tech school.
Hopefully we fixed your equipment.
Bless all my fellow vets.
Will be waiting for my pin.
1972-75 Force-com, Ft.Sill,proud to have served
Request for Vietnam era pin usmc thank you.
Dear Sirs,
I served slightly more than twenty years in the U.S. Navy from my enlistment in August of 1962 continuously until my transfer to the Fleet Reserve in October of 1982 and Retirement as a Chief Petty Officer (E-7). According to Information in the latest issue of Vantage Point, I am entitled to receive the “Vietnam War Veteral” lapel pin. I would sincerely like to have that lapel pin since my years of active Naval service included the dates outlined in the publication for qualification for the pin. Please send my Vietnam War Lapel Pin to me at the below listed address or inform me how to go about having one issued to me. Thank you in advance.
Sorry to miss the wall as a disabled Vet was looking forward t ok traveling to it
I was one of the guys who was spit upon when I came home.
I am immensely grateful that so many in our wonderful country now seem to recognize that we were just doing our duty and trying to get through it all.
I have tried 3 times for a lapel pin and never received or any response.
Super read. Thank you for this service to all VN veterans! Please keep it up.
Great event! There was no thanks ‘66 – ‘69. Glad that has changed for our troops of today.
If not for a near fatal case of bonespurs I would have served with honor and America would have won that war
March 29th? Why is that VVet day?
I just wrote a long statement on the VA excluding Nam vets using FB . Did not see anything marked captcha. Went to post and of course its gone… I’m not typing it again… because you really don’t care.. Thanks for the offer .. but I’m not on Facebook.
HR2200