Vietnam Veterans Day
Welcome Home Luncheon
In commemoration of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, veterans and their families are invited to join us for a special afternoon lunch to commemorate their bravery and sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
Join us as we gather to express our gratitude and appreciation for your service. The luncheon will provide a warm and supportive environment for veterans to connect, share stories, and enjoy a meal together. The resource fair provides an opportunity to connect with Veterans organizations and learn about additional programs and resources in the area.
As a special part of the program, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Brian Love will give remarks and hold a pinning ceremony for any Vietnam Veterans in attendance that would like to be pinned. The event will also include the participation of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 with the Presentation of the Colors, the playing of Taps, and a Rifle Volley.
The War Memorial is a proud Commemorative Partner of the United State of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To learn more about the Commemoration, please visit, www.vietnamwar50th.com.
Event Details
11am Resource Fair Opens (Community Room)
11:30am Ballroom Opens for Seating
12:00pm Lunch and Commemoration Ceremony
~1pm Resource Fair Continues
1:30pm Event Concludes
Reservations
Veterans: Free for Vietnam War era Veterans and non-Vietnam War Veterans
Guests and General Public: $22
Reservations are required.
About the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 110-181 § 598) empowers the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program on behalf of the Nation that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This law also authorizes the Secretary to coordinate, support and facilitate federal, state and local government commemorative programs and activities. To that end, "The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration" was formed.
By presidential proclamations on May 25, 2012, November 20, 2017 and March 28, 2022, the Commemoration extends from Memorial Day 2012 through Veterans Day 2025. Congress articulated five objectives for this Commemoration
To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war, or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam
Resource: United State of Amercian Vietnam War Commemoration website: www.vietnamwar50th.com
About National Vietnam War Veterans Day
March 29 was chosen as National Vietnam War Veterans Day because on March 29, 1973, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam. The last unit was elements of MACV's Infantry Security Force (Special Guard), actually special couriers.
On March 29, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29, 2012, 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."
On December 26, 2016, the Vietnam Veterans Day Coalition of States Council presented a letter to President Elect Donald Trump and Congressional leadership outlining the history and timeline of cause to establish March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day and requesting that it be one of the first legislations passed and signed into law during the 115 Congress.
On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. This act officially recognizes March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The Act also includes the day among those days on which the United States Flag should especially be displayed.