Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinions of The Reporter, its publisher or its staff. You can submit your own Letter to the Editor by email to News@ReadTheReporter.com. Please include your phone number and city of residence. The Reporter will publish one letter per person per week.
Dear Editor:
On behalf of Horseshoe Prairie Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, we would like to remind readers that throughout this year, and especially on National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, a special focus is spent on reaching Vietnam veterans in private or public senior care facilities; specifically, those who may be challenged to attend public events honoring their service.
The positive impact of seeking out and honoring these men and women, and their families, has proven immeasurable for those reached thus far.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day joins six other military-centric national observances codified in Title 4 §6 of the United States Code, among them Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. You can find out more by visiting vietnamwar50th.com.
In observance of Women’s History Month, we would like to remind readers that approximately 7,000 to 11,000 American women served as nurses during the Vietnam War, often working in combat zones, field hospitals, and on hospital ships. Known as “Angels in Fatigues” they managed, under fire, high-volume trauma care, amputations, and severe infections, with most serving with the Army Nurse Corp.
March 29 was chosen as National Vietnam War Veterans Day because on March 29, 1973, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam. Approximately 2.7 million American personnel served in uniform in Vietnam, representing 9.7 percent of their generation, with over 58,000 deaths and over 1,500 still unaccounted for. As of 2024 to 2026, an estimated 5.2 to 7 million Vietnam-era veterans are still living. The median age for these veterans is about 71, with 300 to 500 passing daily.1
As DAR members remember and salute all military veterans of the wars and conflicts facing our country for 250 years, we pay particular homage at this time to our Vietnam veterans – those who served in combat and those who served globally, supporting those troops. As descendants of those who both fought the tyranny of government and those who supported them, we say a deep and heartfelt thank you to all our Vietnam veterans. As we now know, their “welcome home” was anything but welcome.
When you see them, you know them – by their hats, shirts, pins, license plates – share your gratitude. Who knows; as their initial homecoming was in many cases unwelcome, yours may be the first thank you they have received.
Sharon McMahon
Past Regent
Horseshoe Prairie Chapter, NSDAR
Be the first to comment on "National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29"