BadFisherman Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a US holiday observed annually on March 29. It recognizes Veterans who served in the US military during the Vietnam War. It should not be confused with Veteran's Day. On March 28, 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. The Act also includes March 29th as a day on which the US flag should especially be displayed.

The original Presidential Proclamation...

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
March 29, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- Vietnam Veterans Day

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On January 12, 1962, United States Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon. Operation Chopper marked America's first combat mission against the Viet Cong, and the beginning of one of our longest and most challenging wars. Through more than a decade of conflict that tested the fabric of our Nation, the service of our men and women in uniform stood true. Fifty years after that fateful mission, we honor the more than 3 million Americans who served, we pay tribute to those we have laid to rest, and we reaffirm our dedication to showing a generation of Veterans the respect and support of a grateful Nation.

The Vietnam War is a story of service members of different backgrounds, colors, and creeds who came together to complete a daunting mission. It is a story of Americans from every corner of our Nation who left the warmth of family to serve the country they loved. It is a story of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm's way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear. From Ia Drang to Hue, they won every major battle of the war and upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces.

Eleven years of combat left their imprint on a generation. Thousands returned home bearing shrapnel and scars; still more were burdened by the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress, of Agent Orange, of memories that would never fade. More than 58,000 laid down their lives in service to our Nation. Now and forever, their names are etched into two faces of black granite, a lasting memorial to those who bore conflict's greatest cost.

Our Veterans answered our country's call and served with honor, and on March 29, 1973, the last of our troops left Vietnam. Yet, in one of the war's most profound tragedies, many of these men and women came home to be shunned or neglected -- to face treatment unbefitting their courage and a welcome unworthy of their example. We must never let this happen again. Today, we reaffirm one of our most fundamental obligations: to show all who have worn the uniform of the United States the respect and dignity they deserve, and to honor their sacrifice by serving them as well as they served us. Half a century after those helicopters swept off the ground and into the annals of history, we pay tribute to the fallen, the missing, the wounded, the millions who served, and the millions more who awaited their return. Our Nation stands stronger for their service, and on Vietnam Veterans Day, we honor their proud legacy with our deepest gratitude.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Being of the same generation I have known many of you guys. Thank you for you did, thank you for what you gave, I love you all!!

Slimshady Loc: Central Pennsylvania

That is a start but I think all who served during that time got a raw deal. Their sacrifices were never acknowledged like they should have been and the ones that came home were treated with scorn and derision. I am grateful to all who there and thank you all for what you did. I think we,as a nation,need to honor all those who were there

Dakoda Loc: Cle Elum, WA

I agree with you whole heartedly. I think our men and women who served, were treated horrible and many are still hurt and angry and grieving. Most of our soldiers were drafted back then. They didn't enlist to go fight a war, they didn't have a choice.

I am proud to honor the men and women who served in Vietnam.

Frank romero Loc: Clovis, NM

It is good to know but it looks like you confused who signed the proclamation

Frank romero Loc: Clovis, NM

I also agree. I didn’t serve but had a younger brother and several cousins that did.

BadFisherman Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

No confusion at all, Frank.

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

Being younger than a lot of you I wasn’t even born until after Vietnam. I cannot imagine not respecting those who serve or have served!! I can only say THANK YOU to all that served and offer my sincere apologies for any negativity you faced. YOU ARE HEROES and should be treated as such. God Bless you all for what gave our country. IT IS APPRECIATED!
J

Frank romero Loc: Clovis, NM

You said Trump proclaimed it but end of proclamation shows Obama’s name

BadFisherman Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Obama wrote and signed it in 2012. But, a GOP congress would not pass it into legislation until he left office. They did not want Obama to get full credit for it being signed into legislation. Thus, it was passed soon after Trump took office. BTW, Trump simply but gratefully signed Obama's proclamation.

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

And the shame is that it was politicized at all.

Whitey Loc: Southeast ohio

Thank you BF I hope you all can remember the good times from back then. Thank you all for your sacrifice and your service 👍 DAD George Robert White Army 64

BadFisherman Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Your thanks are appreciated, Whitey. USMC, 1967-69

I keep in touch with many of my 'Nam Brothers.

Dakoda Loc: Cle Elum, WA

Those were bad years in nam. It truly must have been Hell.

Frank romero Loc: Clovis, NM

Actually it doesn’t matter who proclaimed it, it was time that we showed our appreciation to our veterans. God bless them all. Had a couple of friends that died from cancer attributed to agent orange which our government took a long time to acknowledge.