One good reason to observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day this week is to give voice to the serious concerns that many of the Vietnam War’s #veterans face as they age, writes disabled Vietnam War veteran and Florida Veterans Hall of Famer John Stewart in the Citrus County Chronicle. Beyond being shunned for fighting an unpopular war upon their return, Vietnam veterans now suffer from high rates of #suicide, health problems related to Agent Orange exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Why should we have a National Vietnam Veterans Day? Because [the veterans] deserve it. Period,” he says. “Thank them.” #NationalVietnamWarVeteransDay
Tag: Vietnam veterans
Celebrating National Vietnam War Veterans Day
On March 29, #veterans and well-wishers across the country will celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Established in 2017, the annual holiday is marked on the day the last troops were withdrawn in 1973 — 50 years ago. “Citizens are encouraged to fly the U.S. flag in #honor of those who served in the #Vietnam War as a way to thank the veterans and all those who made sacrifices during one of the longest wars in U.S. history,” says AwarenessDays.com. You can also #thank a veteran personally or attend a local observance honoring the Vietnam veterans in your area. #NationalVietnamWarVeteransDay
Honoring Those Who Served on Veterans Day
Established in the aftermath of World War I, Armistice Day commemorated the armistice with Germany, which ended the war on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Renamed in 1954, the holiday has expanded to recognize military veterans from every U.S. conflict as #Veterans Day.
Events around the country will feature parades, speakers and moments of silence in recognition of veterans. One of the biggest this year will be held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 11 to mark the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) will stage a “Massing of the Colors” at The Wall in the run-up to the main ceremony, bringing color guards from chapters and state councils across the country to salute to veterans lost and surviving. VVA will also participate in one of the largest annual ceremonies, the annual wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Companies employing veterans can get in on the act, Military.com says, by treating them to lunch, recognizing their sacrifice in a company newsletter, sharing stories of their service with clients and vendors, recognizing their families, or engaging in a day of community service on veterans’ behalf. Contact a local veterans service organization (VSO) to plan an event.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a handy guide to Veterans day activities if you’d like to stage your own observance. From a full-on ceremony including guest speakers, posting of colors and Taps, to classroom activities, musical programs and poster contests, all can garner respect and #honor for the nation’s veterans.
You can make your Veterans Day observance more personal if you know of a friend or family member who has served. Send a card, volunteer to take them to the local parade, or invite them out to dinner in gratitude for their service. They’ll appreciate the gesture!
And remember, every #donation you make to ClothingDonations.org helps fund essential veterans programs and events like the ones mentioned above. Schedule a free, #contactless #donation #pickup today!
Honoring Veterans on Memorial Day
Established to honor those who lost their lives in service to the country, Memorial Day is a great time to honor living #veterans, too. Good Housekeeping suggests spending some of your long weekend shopping at a veteran-owned business or streaming one of the Storycorps oral histories presented by active-duty military members and veterans. You can also #donate to the #Vietnam Veterans of America and ClothingDonations.org, Building Homes for Heroes, and other nonprofits that help U.S. military veterans access food, housing, health care and other necessities every day of the year. #MemorialDay