It is National Vietnam Veterans Day and we honor those who served for the USA. March 29th is a fitting day for the observance since it was the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Today we honor all veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, and their families.

On March 29, 1973, combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam. Generations later, Veterans of this time period are gaining the respect that was not so freely given upon their return. Involving five U.S. presidents, crossing nearly two decades and 500,000 U.S. military personnel, it left an indelible mark on the American people.

Returning veterans did not always receive respectful welcomes upon their arrival on American soil. Over 58,000 killed, never to return. The observance recognizes the military service of these men and women who answered the call to serve their country when she needed them. They didn't make the decision to go to war.

Throughout National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we recognize the service and duty rendered by all servicemen and women of this era.

The U.S. Congress named 240 Medal of Honor recipients from the Vietnam War. We make no distinction between veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. All the men and women were called to serve and none could self-determine where they would serve.

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY HISTORY

U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., introduced legislation in 2017 to honor Vietnam Veterans with a day. They chose the anniversary of the withdrawal of military units from South Vietnam. President Donald Trump signed the National Vietnam War Veterans Day Act on March 28, 2017, calling for U.S. flags to be flown on March 29 for those who served.

Thank a Vietnam Veteran.