MANCHESTER, NH – In 2008, Congress established a years-long commemoration to honor all those who served the country on the homefront and abroad, including personnel in every military branch and capacity.
As part of the national program to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, Congressman Frank Guinta appeared at the Manchester Veterans Administration Medical Center March 28 to thank a crowd of veterans and advocates for their service.
“Years ago, New Hampshire’s Vietnam vets did not receive the thanks they deserved for their service and sacrifice defending this country,” said Guinta. “As we look back today, we can say with full confidence their efforts helped to win the Cold War, the defining conflict of the latter half of the 20th Century.”
“We owe a special debt of gratitude, one that we can never repay, to the soldiers who did not return. That’s why we celebrate their heroism today – and every chance we get,” Guinta said.
The 2008 National Defense and Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to support commemorative events around the country, which commenced in 2012.
March 29 has been designated as the VA’s national day of recognition. All Vietnam veterans who served between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, are invited to attend a 50th Vietnam War Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony at the White River Jct., Vt., VA Medical Center at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, for a formal presentation and recognition ceremony.
In New Hampshire, Vietnam veterans and their families are invited to a Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the Hanover High School gymnasium, 41 Lebanon St.
The ceremony is sponsored by the NH National Guard. Gov. Maggie Hassan, and members of the congressional delegation will be in attendance.
Click here for an interactive timeline put together by vietnamwar50th.com.
About the Veterans Administration National Commemoration:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced it will conduct hundreds of events in VA facilities across the nation on Mar. 29 to recognize, honor and thank U.S. Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices as part of the national Vietnam War Commemoration.
VA Secretary Robert McDonald will host a wreath-laying ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – “The Wall” to initiate VA’s contribution to the Commemoration. He will be joined by Defense Secretary Ashton Carter. “We are proud to partner with the Department of Defense in this endeavor. Secretary Carter’s Vietnam War Commemoration staff has greatly assisted us in planning this humble tribute to our Vietnam Veterans and their families.”
VA, along with more than 9,000 organizations across the country, has joined with the Department of Defense as a Commemorative Partner to help Americans honor our nation’s Vietnam Veterans.
Authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense, and launched by the President in May 2012, the Vietnam War Commemoration recognizes all men and women who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975. Nine million Americans, approximately 7 million living today, served during that period, and the Commemoration makes no distinction between Veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or were stationed elsewhere during those 20 years. All answered the call of duty.
“This Commemoration has special significance for those of us at VA because of our honored mission to serve those who have “borne the battle,” said McDonald. “It’s also an opportunity to remember our VA colleagues who served in this generation of Veterans, to extend our heartfelt appreciation to them and to their families who shared the burden of their loved one’s service.”
More than 329 VA medical centers, regional benefit offices and national cemeteries will host events, many in partnership with local Veteran service organizations and volunteers.
By presidential proclamation issued on May 25, 2012, the Commemoration extends from its inaugural event on Memorial Day 2012 through Veterans Day 2025.
Commemorative Partners – local, state and national organizations, businesses, corporations and governmental agencies – have committed to publicly thank and honor Vietnam Veterans and their families on behalf of the nation and have pledged to host a minimum of two events annually.
