NEWS RELEASE
AMERICAN LEGION POST 32
*************************
Our nation has proclaimed March 29 in perpetuity as the National Vietnam War Veterans Day. This day was established by Congress as a national day to recognize the previously unsung patriotism of our Vietnam War Era Veterans and their families. The National Vietnam War Veterans Day joins the six other annual, military-centric, national holiday codified in law; among them … Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.
Why is March 29 a day of importance? It was the day U.S. Military Assistance Command Vietnam was disestablished. In 1973, it was the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Finally, it was the day that Hanoi released the last of it’s acknowledged prisoners of War.
This is in conjunction with our nation’s National Commemoration effort to thank and honor our living Vietnam War Era veterans, those who served our country on active duty between November 1, 1955, through May 15, 1975, regardless of where they served during that time.
On March 29, the Longmont American Legion Post 32 will host a National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The Post is inviting all local living Vietnam War Era veterans, surviving spouses, and family members of those veterans who are no longer with us, to attend this National Vietnam War Veterans Day event. It will be held at the Legion Post facility at 315 S. Bowen Street here in Longmont.
The Legion encourages all area Vietnam War Era veterans and their families to join their fellow veterans at this event. The evening will commence at 6 p.m. with a social hour. At 7 p.m. we will commence with the posting of our Nation's colors and our Military service flags accompanied by the buglers sounding of “To the Colors” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and National
Anthem. The welcome home ceremony will include the presentation of our Nation’s Vietnam War Era Commemoration Lapel pin to those Veterans who served during the Vietnam War Era who have not received their Commemoration lapel pin.
Included in this Commemoration event will the presentation of the Deceased Vietnam Veteran’s Surviving Spouse Lapel pin and Certificate of Honor. This certificate and lapel pin are for the surviving spouse at the time of death of a veteran 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.
The Commemoration program also includes Lapel pins and Certificates of Honor for the immediate family members of the following groups:
- Former: Living American Military Pow.
- Unaccounted For: American military personnel listed as missing and unaccounted for.
- In Memory of: Presented to immediate family members (parents, spouse, sibling and children) of a veteran who is listed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall.
There will be tables set up to display military memorabilia. We invite those in attendance to display any military memorabilia collected during your service.
Please call 303-817-7790 or email [email protected] with any questions you have regarding this event or the Vietnam War Era Commemoration program.
