National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29 honors the men and women who served and sacrificed during the longest conflict in United States history.
- 9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the official Vietnam era from August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975.
- 2,709,918 Americans served in uniform in Vietnam.
- 240 men were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.
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 psyche.
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 the observance, we recognize the service and duty rendered by all servicemen and women of this era.
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 on the anniversary of the withdrawal of military units from South Vietnam. President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Day Act on March 28, 2017, calling for U.S. flags to be flown on March 29 for those who served.
5 FACTS ABOUT THE VIETNAM WAR
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The average age of soldiers was 19
This is a big difference from the average age of 26 in WWII.
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The Medal of Honor was awarded 258 times
This is the highest military decoration.
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The U.S. spent over $140 billion on the Vietnam War
In today’s economy, that’s about $1 trillion!
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500,000 people attended the anti-war rally
There were many all over the world, but this one took place in Washington, D.C. in 1969.
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It isn’t called the Vietnam War in Vietnam
Instead, it is called the American War.
Vietnam Veterans represented 9.7% of their generation.
They have a lower unemployment rate than the same non-vet age groups.
Their personal income exceeds that of our non-veteran age group by more than 18 percent.
87% of Americans hold Vietnam Veterans in high esteem.
There is no difference in drug usage between Vietnam Veterans and non-Vietnam Veterans of the same age group (Source: Veterans Administration Study).
Vietnam Veterans are less likely to be in prison – only one-half of one percent of Vietnam Veterans have been jailed for crimes.
85% of Vietnam Veterans made successful transitions to civilian life.
97% of Vietnam Veterans were honorably discharged.
91% of Vietnam Veterans say they are glad they served.
74% say they would serve again, even knowing the outcome.
