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.

According to Statista, today there are more than 6.3 million living U.S. Vietnam-era Veterans. 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.

MDVA will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War June 13 - 15 with an event at Mall of America in Bloomington. At this time, our plans include:

• Multi-day Resource Fair/Information Tables to provide a “one-stop shop” for Vietnam Veterans seeking information on VA and MDVA benefits and community services.
• Multi-day historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum including screening of Vietnam War documentaries and an indoor replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall.
• Live taping of Minnesota Military Radio program: Thursday, June 13 at 1 p.m.
• Commemoration Event with speakers, music and story sharing: Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
• Free brunch after the event
• We are working on a transportation plan to allow Veterans and their families from across the state to attend.

More details will be shared as the event date approaches on our website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50.

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!