State designates March 29-30 to honor Vietnam vets

Virginia will honor and celebrate the service of Virginia’s Vietnam War Veterans March 29-30, Gov. Ralph Northam announced.

Northam proclaimed March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day in the state, which coincides with National Vietnam War Veterans Day; the day became a national holiday with the passage of The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017.

“It’s never too late to say ‘thank you’ to the brave men and women who have stepped up and answered the call to serve,” said Northam. “I invite all Virginians to join me in honoring the service of our Vietnam veterans and for their continuing contributions to the commonwealth.”

Dozens of civic and veterans service organizations, non-profits, and government agencies in Virginia have partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense through The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration’s Commemorative Partner Program.  In Virginia, state agency partners include the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, the Virginia Employment Commission, and the Virginia National Guard.

A special Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin has been created as a lasting memento of the nation's thanks. The pins often are presented at public “pinning ceremonies” hosted by partner organizations.  Visit the Vietnam War Commemoration’s website at http://vietnamwar50th.com/events to see a list of upcoming partner events.

Vietnam veterans may also visit the Virginia War Memorial to receive a pin from a Virginia War Memorial employee or volunteer.  The Virginia War Memorial is located at 621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond.  Hours and directions are available at http://vawarmemorial.org.

In 2010, the Virginia General Assembly unanimously designated March 30 in 2010 and in each succeeding year as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Virginia to celebrate the service and numerous contributions of the state's Vietnam-era veterans, including to business, the arts, medicine, science, technology and public service.

“I join with Governor Northam and the Virginia General Assembly in recognizing the service of Virginia’s Vietnam Veterans,” said Carlos Hopkins, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs.  “Of Virginia’s 725,000 veterans, over 204,000 served during the Vietnam era.  The Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center at the Virginia War Memorial is named in honor of Paul Galanti, who fought in Vietnam and was held as a prisoner of war for almost seven years, and his late wife Phyllis, who fought for his release at home.  I highly encourage all Virginians to visit their Virginia War Memorial.”

Information about state veterans programs and services is available at http://dvs.virginia.gov.