National Vietnam Veterans Day is observed on March 29. March 29, 1973 was the day the US Military Assistance Command – Vietnam stood down. This year has a bit of added significance; it is the 50th anniversary of the war. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs estimates there are still 7 million Americans who served on active duty during the Vietnam war still living.
Commander Brian Wierzbiki, Chief of Public Engagement for the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration joins us to talk about their initiatives and support programs for the 50th Anniversary.
The mission of the Vietnam War Commemoration is to thank and honor Veterans of the Vietnam War. They also include personnel of federal agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations who served in support as well as our allies and persons supporting on the home front. The organization went active in 2012.
Brian’s office provides support to any organizations organizing 50th anniversary recognition events. So far they have supported 28,574 events with 13,539 partners. A calendar of all the events are listed at their website. Any group interested in receiving support or listing their event with the Vietnam War Commemoration can visit their website and submit the information. Brian says that even though the anniversary is March 29, they will support programming through November 11, 2025.
Their website has several interesting elements including an in depth history page with timelines oral histories and even a virtual tour of the Pentagon exhibit. Other support elements provided include Veteran lapel pins, certificates of honor and commemorative flags. Eligible Veterans include anyone who served between November 1, 1955 and May 5, 1975. Surviving spouses are also eligible for a pin.
Brian says that his role in support of the commemoration has significantly informed him about Vietnam Veterans role. He deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. When he returned from Afghanistan, the first people to greet him were Vietnam Veterans.