Robert Certain at Gia Lam Airport, Hanoi NVN moments after his repatriation

March 29: National Vietnam War Veterans Day!

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a commemorative holiday in the United States which recognizes the sacrifices that veterans and their families made during the Vietnam War. 

It is also a day to give proper recognition to the men and women who returned home from that war and didn't receive a proper welcome home. It's a holiday that's been celebrated since 1973 on either March 29th or March 30th of each year through a patchwork of state resolutions. 

The last remaining American troops were withdrawn from Vietnam on March 29, 1973 as President Nixon declared "the day we have all worked and prayed for has finally come."

America's then longest war officially concluded 45 years ago. During 15 years of military involvement, over 2 million Americans served in Vietnam with 500,000 seeing actual combat. 47,244 were killed in action, including 8,000 airmen. There were 10,446 non-combat deaths. 153,329 were seriously wounded, including 10,000 amputees. Over 2400 American POWs/MIAs were unaccounted for as of 1973. Captain Robert White, the last known American POW was released from captivity on April 1st. 

On March 29, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed the day as Vietnam Veterans Day. The proclamation called "upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War."

And in 2017, President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act. This act officially establishes March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The Act also includes the day among those days on which the US flag should especially be displayed. March 29th is now officially known as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.  

The Vietnam Commemorative Commission reports at least 1,200 commemorative events are planned across the Nation, during which Vietnam veterans and their families will be publicly and individually thanked and honored.  That's amazing!

Click here to read Issue 3 of the Vietnam War Commemoration SITREP, which is dedicated to the upcoming National Vietnam War Veterans Day.