America is poised to honor the brave men and women who served in the Vietnam War during the observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29. The purpose of the observance is to express our deep gratitude for those who courageously served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. This special day was first observed as a one-time event in 2012 to launch The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, a 13-year-long celebration honoring these veterans across the 50th anniversary milestones of the war. The day has since been officially designated as an annual observance through the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. The Lake Minnetonka Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is a proud partner of the Commemoration and encourages the public to honor the men and women who served.
America’s involvement in the Vietnam war spanned twenty years, from 1955 to 1975, and six United States presidents, from Truman to Ford. As part of his foreign policy of Communist containment, President Truman sparked America’s involvement with a promise of support to the South Vietnamese government against Communist North Vietnamese attack. Subsequently, President Eisenhower sent military advisors and CIA operatives in 1955, President Kennedy followed by sending the first American troops, and President Johnson ordered the first combat involving U.S. soldiers. President Nixon signed the cease fire ending formal hostilities in 1973 and President Ford announced the close of America’s official involvement in the war in 1975. Communist forces ultimately overtook South Vietnam later that year.
The Vietnam War was, and continues to be, a particularly grueling one for its veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2,700,000 men and women served in the war. Nearly 60,000 gave their lives in service to their country. These veterans served under extremely difficult conditions characterized by a hostile climate conducive to tropical diseases and by ambush attacks from an unconventional enemy who blended in with the civilian population. Despite strong initial support by Congress and the public, skepticism and opposition erupted as Americans watched the realities of the war in graphic television coverage. As a result, Vietnam veterans did not return home to a hero’s welcome.
This tragedy is compounded by the fact that many veterans continue to suffer from the after-effects of their service. In addition to post traumatic stress that can accompany combat experience, many have developed health issues as a result of their exposure to Agent Orange and other chemicals sprayed to demolish the jungle foliage that hid the enemy. Following studies commissioned by the United States Congress and released in 1996, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs now recognizes no fewer than eight medical conditions directly related to veterans’ exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration of 2012 and Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 are both intended to give these veterans the belated honor, respect, and gratitude they deserve. Beginning in 2012, the Lake Minnetonka Chapter has hosted a Veterans Day Celebration each November and has decorated Wayzata’s Heritage Park with flags. Vietnam veterans have received special recognition at this event, including a lapel pin designed as part of the 2012 Commemoration efforts. Two Vietnam Veterans have been awarded hand crafted Quilts of Valor to recognize their contributions. The Chapter provides ongoing support to veterans by contributing special items identified as needs by the V.A. Medical Center and the Minnesota Veterans Home. Chapter members continue to donate hand-knit scarves and hats to the V.A. Medical Center as part of the National WWII Museum’s “Knit Your Bit” project.
“Many in our chapter have family members who served in the military,” says Lake Minnetonka Chapter Regent, Gigi Hickey. “It’s very important to us to remember and honor their sacrifices.” One of those chapter members is Vice Regent, Michelle White, whose father is a Vietnam War veteran and served in the United States Air Force as a crew chief on a B-52 bomber. Michelle says, “I am delighted to have an official way to celebrate his service on March 29th every year.” She adds, “I am pleased to be part of an organization like the Daughters of the American Revolution that has patriotism as one of its pillars. To me, honoring veterans is the essence of patriotism.”
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution invites you to join them in flying an American flag on March 29 to honor our Vietnam War veterans. If you’d like to learn more about the Vietnam War Commemoration, please visit their website at https://www.vietnamwar50th.com.
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