Today is National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law in 2017 by President Trump, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Vietnam Veterans represented nearly 10% of their generation.
The U.S. actions in Vietnam began slowly with the deployment of advisors in the early 1950s and expanded incrementally to include the deployment of combat forces in July 1965.
The conflict continued until January 1973, when representatives of the United States, North and South Vietnam, and the Vietcong signed a peace agreement in Paris. U.S. forces returned home over the next few months, with the last military unit leaving on March 29, 1973.
March 29 is a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam Veterans. March 29, 1973, was when the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day, Hanoi released the last of its acknowledge prisoners of war.
On behalf of the crew here at MVAP I thank all of you.