National Vietnam War Veterans Day is just over two months away, and any organization who wants a simple, free way to make the day more meaningful for Vietnam Veterans can become the Vietnam War Commemoration’s “commemorative partners.”
The program is for federal, state and local communities, Veterans’ organizations and other nongovernmental organizations. They can assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring Vietnam Veterans and their families.
More than nine million Americans served from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. Six million are still living, but commemorative partners can do more.
“We hope everyone will join together on March 29, 2022, to honor Vietnam Veterans and their families during this 5th anniversary of National Vietnam War Veterans Day,” said Phil Waite, chief of strategic engagement for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. “These warriors – our Nation’s blood and treasure from a generation ago – deserve the Nation’s deepest gratitude!”
Becoming a partner
Joining the Vietnam War Commemoration as a commemorative partner is easy. Simply visit www.vietnamwar50th.com and click “Apply” in the blue Commemorative Partner Program box. There’s a simple, one-page application that requires two points of contact and one signature. Once approved as a partner, the commemoration provides organizations with a free starter kit of materials for developing and implementing their programs.
Questions regarding the commemorative partner program application process can be submitted to: whs.vnwar50th_cpp@mail.mil.
Creating an event
Once a group becomes a partner, they receive a partner portal login. This allows the partner to create an event that is searchable on https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/events/.
Partners can also receive the following free materials:
- Lapel pins for Vietnam Veterans, as well as those Veterans and family members who qualify under the Certificate of Honor program
- Presidential proclamations
- Program brochures
- Fact sheets
- “I Served” and “We Heart” bumper magnets
- 50th anniversary and Family Member tin pins
- Vietnam War Patch Posters (all Services)
Search for an event
People can learn about events in their local community by visiting https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/events/. Visitors can search for event by name, date, country, zip code and category. The site also allows visitors to search within a 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 mile radius of a zip code.
To learn more about partnering with this national commemoration program, visit their site at https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/ or any of the VWC social media sites found at http://linktr.ee/VNWar50th. Also, use the tag #ThankVietnamVets on social media to join the conversation.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Over the five-year program, more than 14,000 VET TEC beneficiaries completed their program and nearly half have reported finding meaningful employment with an average starting annual salary of $65,000.
VA is calling for applicants for the 2024 Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology grant.
Updated COVID vaccines are available free of charge to Veterans receiving care at VA .
Can’t get Civilian Partner form to work. Email for contacting the organization was returned. Karen Lambert listed on form, so hope that will go through.
I’m a younger sister of a Vietnam Vet. The men and women who served deserve so much more than what they receive. To this day I dislike watching a Vietnam War movie……to me it is like watching the 6:00pm news with my parents and watching closely for my brothers face or listening for his name. RIP, Ron.
OOOOOOOOORAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 1st MarDiv. 72-74. Semper Fi !
I traveled with human remains ona flight from Germany back to the east coast . Couldn’t wait to get back to the world. Still in dress greens spit on at grand central station. Do it all over again . Yes I would. That’s what we signed up for to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Seems like we have found the enemy. He lies in our hearts and minds . My enemy today is isolation and my demons which haunt me day and night
Just a country’s boy from Michigan. Turned 21 in the field. Landed in Cam- Rom Jan. of 1968. Green as they come. Had me loading barrels from Dow Chemical into helicopters for three days then sent to the bush. VA tells me I don’t have agent Orange. Attached to combat engineer unit . I have 70 % disability. I had a son who served in Saudi. He passed away at age 48 from cancer. I also have a Autist son at home born after Nam??? Can’t hear a thing with out hearing aids. PSTD going strong. I am a only son: so I am the end of line. God I Love my country’s. An if asked I would do it all over again!!! Keep your head held high we have done no wrong. Love all of you Brothers who made it home and those who didn’t. Army brother
We c@n live in denial or get help, when you face the “ interview for ptsd” and are questioned, they will ask or suggest something stupid, your ptsd will arise quickly… don’t stop it Lol. I literally jumped up and shouted at the interviewer and they finally (years have gone by) acknowledged my condition. We didn’t do this to us, we just need assistance to help control and spot those triggers. NEVER Give up going to the VA for help. Their programs help you to see what’s been hiding in you, plus, you get to fellowship with the greates community ever. People who understand stand you … the Veterans.
My thanks go out to the Vietnam Vets who have/will comment on their service. Too often I have thought it would be better to have been an in–country causality than to have lived through the last 52 years. During my tour RFK and MLK were assassinated, Nixon became President through ‘dirty tricks’ and life was good for those who beat the draft because of their privileged status. I keep trying to forget Vietnam but retirement has allowed too much time for memories to come back. I’m a Cold War Military brat and Army Vet, I Corps ’68-’69.
ps. I recently came across an Internet Photo Copy of a letter Ho Chi Minh wrote to Truman asking for America’s help getting the French Colonial government out of Vietnam, he thought America was the champion of Freedom of Democracy. Fidel Castro asked Eisenhower for help too getting rid of Cuba’s corrupt dictator Batista. We know how that went.
I am a Vietnam veteran; 5th Special Forces, II Corps; 1966-1967. The wounds that I received from the animosity and apathy from my fellow Americans when I returned to the world have stayed with me much longer than any received in country. Based on all of the above comments, I wonder if the American public realizes the bitterness that veterans carry. I didn’t know that there are a lot of others who feel the same way as myself. I read a book some time back written by Robert McNamra, titled “In Retrospect,” where he states that Vietnam was probably a mistake. Well, you might want to tell that to the families of 58,000 men who paid the ultimate price. We lost a lot of American blood over there. As for me, I am proud of my service to this country, and I have reached an age where I don’t really care what other people think. I don’t apologize for anything we did. Isn’t it interesting that arrogant rich politicians are always willing to send other people’s children into harm’s way to do things they aren’t willing to do themselves.
i served in vietnam from 69 to 70 . i came home with medical and mental issues. i was also greeted by the protesters in the bay area that spit on us and called us every name in the book. i have tried to get help from the va and veterans affairs and feel that i have been ignored. i do not like to be reminded of this time in my life.
how can i receive this pin.. vet served 1970-1971 Phu Cat.
Email whs.pentagon.wso.mbx.vnwar50th-cpp-events-application@mail.mil and a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin will be sent to you via USPS. Please include a good mailing address including your city and state.
Welcome home! I was an Army liaison from the 241st Trans. Co. at Long My at the 15 Aerial Port Sq. cargo pterminal at Phu Cat from March til September 1970. Am I right to assume you were AF?
I served in Vietnam in 1965/1966 was a grunt with B C 1st 5 Cav. Air mobile 1st Calvary Disvison.I am now 77 hrs old have type 2 diebtic also have nerve damage both legs and both feet from agent orange.I would serve my country if I were asked to.
Born in 1946 a Native American, I was called to serve my homeland for 2 yrs. Married for 3 yrs. before called to serve. 1968/69 in Nam, that was a rough year (TET). Others that year had it rougher then I, I admittee. Worked as a mechanic on helicopters by day, pulled guard duty by night. You see, all the our guards guarding the encampment were called north to reenforce the invasion from the north. This story can go on and on, but it stops here. The question is was I proud to serve in Nam. Only my forefathers should answer that. I’m not a bitter man, soon I will be 77 yrs old my eye sight almost gone. I do this in type to ease my soul
I served in the Navy from 10/67 thru 10/73. I was stationed in Danang from 12/69 thru 12/70. Most people think I am pulling their leg but I really did serve in-country for that year. My father was a WWII vet and he was the only one that was proud of my service. At one of the first family meals after I got home on leave my sister asked me if I liked being a baby killer. My father was the only one to stand up for me. I learned my lesson and never admitted to being a Vietnam vet until the 80’s and then it was only close friends. Now finally I can proudly say that I am a NAM vet and people say thank you for your service. I am so happy that our country has treated our recent war veterans so much better. God bless all of you who have served our country.
I served from 1/63-11/65. Army Security Agency. Received my Honorable Discharge at Oakland Army Terminal. Wearing my uniform in San Francisco was cause for people I never met to take the extra step to walk up to me and spit on me!
I don’t miss San Francisco or California. When living in NM and visiting my kids in Seattle, I would drive through Arizona, Nevada and Oregon to bypass California!
I am happy with the services I receive from the VA. I wear my VN Veteran cap proudly. Many people (now) thank me for my service.
Proud to have served. Drafted in 70, Vietnam 71. Retired 97 from National Guard. 100% with VA (prostate cancer since 2014, Agent Orange presumptive) Would ask all fellow veterans and their kin how any of us could believe or support the Orange Hate Goblin, malignant narcissist, insurrectionist, bone spur draft dodger. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE Fellow Vets.
Nam 67/68…1970
Special forces and tank unit commander.
TET !!!!!
Proud to have served!
I am a VN Vet and served 69 to 70. I was in the 213th Blackcat 1st Aviation Brigade. I turned 19 half way thru my tour. My duty as a flight engineer on CH47 allowed me to see a lot of the country and see the effects of the war on the way our troops lived. The hardship of the war on the troops and lives lost made me believe that our government didn’t care. We fought with rules and the VC didn’t. Cambodia was a good battle until it was call off and the bombing of Hanoi was good until it was called off. It seemed to me that our government didn’t want to win the war. Only my close friend know that I was a VN vet. It was something you didn’t mention around people because of the different opinions of people. Over 50K VETS lost, family’s and friends for what? This left a bad taste in my mouth for the government pollical controlled military we have even today. Just look at Afghanistan pull out. Same Same. I have come to a conclusion that our government does not know how to fight a war but only know how to spend the lives of our people to fight other countries battles while they run and hide here and we spend our hard earn tax moneys to support them and the lives of love ones. I believe to fight fire with fire and to do unto other as they would do unto you. Where did that come from?
I was a marine combat veteran from 1964 to May 1966. I’m not a loser or sucker. The man that made that statement should be horse whipped.
SEMPER FI brothers, keep your head up.
I served and was dam proud of it. I was not a loser or sucker. I was spit on when I got back. I’m sure he didn’t spit on the next guys uniform. I was a marine combat veteran from 1964 to May 1966.
SEMPER FI.
I have been trying to get our American Legion in Syracuse NY to do an event like this for 4 years, seems like no one wants to do the work to get it done. Our post is very active, but this is not a priority. I would be interested in helping to do an event, but I need to know how to start.
I am a 100% disabled Vietnam Vet 67-68
https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/commemorative_partners/become_a_commemorative_partner/
Yep…thanks for teaching me how not to trust another human and watching all of my friends die. Just to come back to be spit on by the people I was serving to protect. Then witnessing my country’s politicians pass absurd over the top control measures that would be normal in any communist regime…but hey thanks for the pin and the info packet…it’s literally the least amount of effort you can do.
I served in the Mekong Delta Feb 15, 1968-Feb 12, 1969 with 2 assault helicopter units of the 1st Aviation Brigade. That means that I served under both LBJ and RM Nixon, as well as Generals Wm Westmoreland and Creighton Abrams. But I didn’t for any of those ‘gentlemen:’ I fought for the guys next to me, the greatest of my life to know such bravery, and I would do it again. 11 years ago I was diagnosed with lymphoma due to Agent Orange exposure. I have developed 3 more cancers since then, and the V.A. has supported me 100% in my treatments and healthcare. All Veterans should be receiving that level of care: we traded our bodies and our minds for it, so it is only fitting and fair that we get the care that we earned. I am proud to have served, and grateful to V.A. staff who keep me alive.
I am a Vietnam War Veteran from the period of 1968-1969. When I returned to the United States, my commander ordered me not to wear my uniform off base! If I did I would be attacked and beaten up!
Yes, this was the reaction of the public. But in my opinion, the Government did nothing or very little to sway public opinion to the importance of being in Vietnam. As a result of the negative feelings across the nation the returning military were seen as the reason why we were still in Vietnam.
This is one of many reasons why I do not trust our Government. I love my country and am proud to have served in the military but feel I was lied to and taken advantage of by my own Government! Thankfully attitudes have changed considerably. I have been thanked for my service by lots of people. Where was this attitude 52 years ago?
This is the forth year they have bee giving out these items. It is not new for this year. I have handed out thousands of lapel and tie pins to my fellow Vietnam vets.
I served in Vietnam 1966-1967 came home and was spit on had eggs and tomato’s thrown at me and my wife going out the gate! I thought maybe we landed in the wrong country. That hurt has never healed and probably will never heal. I am 78 and suffering from my tour there and am not being taken care by the so-called V A Administration a lot of talk and no help it’s a total shame for a Country to do this to the men and women who served in a war with out question and I would do it again because I love my Country America not the people who run it.
It time the Viet Nam vets are honored for their sacrifice and devotion to their country. I left squadron mates there and we all thought we were doing our country’s duty and willingly put our lives in jeopardy to fulfill our government’s mission.
I’m a Viet Nam era vet, when I had just graduated from boot camp 10/73 and was getting a hamburger in my dress greens. A girl no older than me, came up to me and spit on me.
I will never forget that incident and now people say thank you for your service.
so keep your vietnam pin, it will never heal our disbelief in VA. VBA EMPLOYEES SAYS, WE HONOR US, IF THAT IS TRUE, WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR 52 YEARS TO GET OUR SERVICE CONNECTIONS BENEFITS THAT WE EARNED IN COMBAT ACTION?
I AM 100% SERVICE CONNECTED FOR PTSD, PARKINSON, PULMONARY, COVID-19 LUNG DAMAGE, A&A SMC R.1, BEDRIDDEN, LOSS OF USE TO BOTH LEGS, BOTH FEET, RIGHT HAND, RIGHT KNEE. IT TOOK ME IN LEGAL BATTLES WITH 19 DRO HEARINGS OFFICIALS FOR 52 YEARS. I AM VIETNAM VETERAN, MY COUNTRY INSULTED ME CALLING ME A BABY KILLER, THROWING EGGS AT US, WHEN WE CAME HOME. SO AM I GLAD I AM PROUD OF MY COUNTRY, HELL NO! MY GRANDFATHER CAME HOME FROM WW ONE, THE MILITARY FIRE AT HIM, PROTESTING THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT FOR HIS BENEFITS BEING WOUNDED IN GERMANY. MY FATHER FOUGHT AT NORMANDY, WOUNDED AND SERVED 2 HEARS IN A POW CAMP, HE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO GET HIS SERVICE CONNECTED BENEFITS, THEY WERE DENIED SEVERAL TIMES, MY UNCLE SERVE IN KOREAN WAR, WOUNDED IN ACTION, TRIED TO GET HIS BENEFITS, THEY WERE DENIED. I LOST TWO COUSINS TO THE VIETNAM WAR, THEIR FATHER HAD A HARD TIME GETTING VBA TO PAY DEATH BENEFITS. WE GAVE OUR BLOOD FOR OUR COUNTRY, AND OUR COUNTRY ONLY GAVE US INSULTS AND HARASSMENT
trying to get my vietnam veteran war lapel pin sent since I,m disabled sent to Carl Spindler
My biggest gripe is that Vietnam was a police action. Never declared a war while we were there. Our leaders did not care about us. Its like declaring war, would be a dirty thing. They did not want to upset the protesters, the hell with the guys stuck in some meaningless place.
How about the veterans of the Cold War who put their life on the ghost line to push back the communistic regime of cyber warfare to influnce where we put our forces? I’m not crying just saying we in the shadows are being forgotten and I would serve again and again wherever I’m stationed. I’m Tired of the sidelines and paying the price of service 100% with no reconnection. Amen.
Hi Robert Bailey,….
John Callahan, USMC, 1963-1967,
Cypress 64, Dominican Republic 65,
Vietnam 1965-1967.
I hear and understand what you wrote and are feeling.
My feelings are you are a Veteran (Period).
You were assigned a certain job in a certain place.
You did that job.
Wear that (your) VETERAN status proudly.
God Bless you BROTHER.
Thanks for information. I served from April of 1968 till May of 1969. I am proud that I served. For many, many years no one ever said THANK YOU. Now more recently, I have been told THANK YOU, when someone does say thank, you it makes me proud.
God Bless America
I am a Vietnam vet. I was there in 1970
Aside from being disrespected by almost every body when I get home I get disrespected by Donald trump who said I was stupid for not working the system to avoid being drafted. I can tell you I was scared but I went because it was the right thing. Mr bone Spurs was too yellow to serve his country. No non veteran should ever be commander in chief over something he knows nothing about!
Amen brother!!
I am 1970 1st Air Cav vet and very proud of year in country!
Most everyone American knows how we Vietnam Veterans we’re treated when we came home and I myself a a Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and I pray that more organizations will reach out to us in Welcoming us home and a job well done!
Semper Fi
I served in the American Theater of the Viet Nam War. The commemorative pin I was given before the pandemic finally gave a bit of recognition for my part of the war effort. Some gave their all, but we all gave some.
I am a Veteran army Sgt 68-69 in Vietnam
Too little, too late! I served in the Marines as a grunt from April 1966 until May 1967. I was awarded the Purple Heart and felt pride in my service to my country. I received nothing but disrespect from the country I had loved. Upon my return. I will carry this to my grave.
I am a Vietnam vet served as an identification specialist with the US Army Mortuary Siagon from 11/68 to 11/69 and was proud to prepare these BRAVE Americans for their final trip home. After their ultimate service to our great country
I am disabled and will be unable to attend an event. How May I get a pin?
Email whs.pentagon.wso.mbx.vnwar50th-cpp-events-application@mail.mil and a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin will be sent to you via USPS. Please include a good mailing address including your city and state.
Or give what this costs to the Veterans.
I’m a Vietnam veteran and I’m proud I served but I lost my DD214 moved so much I’ve tried over and over to get a copy I’m in a nursing home and I need a copy but this virus has shut everything been trying for over a year still no results can u help I’m at my waist end dont know what to do
[Editor: There is a link to request this on the front page of va.gov: https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/ ]
The first step of heeling is for everybody to be straight with everybody. So, let me be straight, I feel that Viet Nam vets and Vets of Afganistan deserve a major and real apology from our leaders about how military support/ withdrawal has been handled. It’s hard to be proud of the way our exodus of these countries has been handled. I am proud to be a vet, but I hate that I can’t trust my government won’t back us, like they expect us to have their back.
Right on Meredith.
Yes these Veterans were shown more
Disrespect than gratitude.All Veterans should be shown moe respect.
These Veterans fought extremely hard to accomplish their goals.
Thanks for this info, all Vietnam vets are due recognition for their service. I served in Vietnam August of 69 to August of 70. I am very proud of my service there and if i had it to do over i would in a heart beat, God bless America the greatest country in the world!!!
Thank you for this informative notice. I’m a Vietnam veteran and we need more organizations as well as our state government to do more in revognizing our service to our great country.