On March 29, the nation will recognize Vietnam Veterans Day to thank and honor Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designates every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam Veterans. It was chosen to be observed in perpetuity because March 29, 1973, was the day that the United States Military Assistance Command-Vietnam was disestablished and also the day that the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day, Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.

Vietnam Veterans are typically identified as those who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, and their families. According to Wikipedia, November 1, 1955 was selected to coincide with the official designation of Military Assistance Advisory Group-Vietnam (MAAG-V); May 15, 1975 marks the end of the battle precipitated by the seizure of the SS Mayaguez.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that today there are more than 7 million U.S. Vietnam Veterans living in America and abroad, along with 10 million families of those who served during this timeframe. In Minnesota, we honor more than 97,000 Veterans who served during the Vietnam era.

By Presidential Proclamation, the U.S.A. Vietnam War Commemoration will continue through Veterans Day, November 11, 2025.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) held Vietnam War commemorations when the Minnesota Vietnam War Memorial was dedicated on September 26, 1992, and on June 13, 2009, at the State Capitol grounds as “Minnesota Honors Vietnam Era Veterans” event. We will soon begin plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. We are tentatively scheduling this event for summer 2024. Watch for more details in the coming months.

Remember that MDVA is here to serve Veterans and their families from all eras. If you need information or support on any Veteran issue, please visit our website, contact your County Veterans Service Officer, or contact LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.

And a reminder: we are hiring for hundreds of roles at the three new Veterans Homes and the new Veterans Cemetery. Please consider joining our team or encouraging others to do so. Job openings are posted at mn.gov/careers.

Thank YOU for your service!