{"id":42166,"date":"2018-03-25T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-03-25T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/uncategorized\/2018\/03\/25\/commentary-for-vietnam-veterans-a-thank-you-long-overdue\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T03:47:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T03:47:28","slug":"commentary-for-vietnam-veterans-a-thank-you-long-overdue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/opinion\/commentary\/2018\/03\/25\/commentary-for-vietnam-veterans-a-thank-you-long-overdue\/","title":{"rendered":"Commentary: For Vietnam veterans, a \u2018thank you\u2019 long overdue"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/x2L3skZ7FEw\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Veterans Affairs Department estimates we are losing more than 500 veterans per day who served during the Vietnam War years. We must act now to do what should have been done 50 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the nation, Americans are uniting to thank and honor these veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. Spearheading this effort is the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vietnamwar50th.com\/\" title=\"\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\">United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration<\/a> office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of special significance, President Trump last year signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2017\/03\/29\/president-trump-signs-law-declaring-national-vietnam-war-veterans-day\/\">establishing National Vietnam War Veterans Day<\/a> that will, henceforth, be celebrated every March 29. This March 29 will be the first anniversary of the new law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/veterans\/salute-veterans\/2017\/11\/10\/the-legacy-of-the-wall-after-35-years-new-memorials-for-veterans\/\" title=\"\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\">Vietnam Veterans Memorial<\/a> in Washington \u2014 \u201cthe Wall\u201d \u2014 will play a significant role in our nation\u2019s honoring of our Vietnam veterans on that special day. The Wall is an arresting reminder to its more than 5 million annual visitors of the service and sacrifice of the more than 58,000 Americans whose names are on that black granite memorial. There is something haunting and yet cleansing about that special place.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/military-honor\/salute-veterans\/2016\/11\/10\/lapel-pin-national-initiative-seek-to-correct-injustice-for-vietnam-vets\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/arm-gen-mccaffrey34.JPG.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Lapel pin, national initiative seek to correct injustice for Vietnam vets<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, a Vietnam combat vet, was honored with the commemorative pin on Thursday.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senior members of the Defense Department and VA will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony on that day at that hallowed site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The commemoration office is also coordinating with governors of all U.S. states, commonwealths and territories, and the mayor of the District of Columbia, to host similar events on or around this day; as of March 19, 47 states had committed to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The commemoration was authorized by Congress, under DoD auspices, and launched at the Wall in 2012. Our goal is to thank and honor America\u2019s 6.6 million living veterans of the 9 million who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975 \u2014 regardless of location \u2014 and the families of all who served.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nearly 3 million served \u201cin country\u201d and another 6 million served elsewhere. All were called to serve. None could self-determine where they were stationed, and each deserves our thanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1202\" height=\"627\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MIL-VIETNAM-040218.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MIL-VIETNAM-040218.jpg.jpg 1202w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MIL-VIETNAM-040218.jpg.jpg?resize=300,156 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MIL-VIETNAM-040218.jpg.jpg?resize=768,401 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MIL-VIETNAM-040218.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,534 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1202px) 100vw, 1202px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Members of the Navajo Nation, a commemorative partner with the Vietnam War Commemoration, present Vietnam Veteran lapel pins to veterans during a March 8 event in Arizona. (Charlita Walker-Moses, Vietnam War Commemoration)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those who served in country experienced unique hardships that only come with service in a combat zone, which every veteran understands and honors. While we recognize all, those who served in country deserve our special appreciation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inspired by thousands of local, state and national organizations that have partnered with the commemoration, Americans have already publicly and individually thanked and honored nearly 2 million of these veterans and their families in hometowns across the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those who have joined us in the hometown-centric <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vietnamwar50th.com\/commemorative_partners\/commemorative_partner_program\/\" title=\"\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\">Commemorative Partner Program<\/a> (more than 11,000 organizations) have committed to conducting two events per year, in their local communities, that recognize and honor our veterans and their families. These partners have held more than 12,000 events to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are no costs associated with becoming a commemorative partner, and we heartily invite organizations to join the mix of dedicated local and national businesses, corporations, veterans and military organizations, associations, educational institutions, community groups, towns, cities, states and many others that have committed to assist the nation in this noble effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The commemoration is providing <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vietnamwar50th.com\/about\/vietnam_veteran_lapel_pin\/\" title=\"\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\">Vietnam Veteran lapel pins<\/a> to commemorative partners for dignified public presentations, during commemorative events, to living U.S. veterans who served during the Vietnam War period. Each veteran who served during the dates above is eligible to receive one lapel pin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5121\" height=\"3524\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/arm-gen-mccaffrey22.JPG.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/arm-gen-mccaffrey22.JPG.jpg 5121w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/arm-gen-mccaffrey22.JPG.jpg?resize=300,206 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/arm-gen-mccaffrey22.JPG.jpg?resize=768,528 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/arm-gen-mccaffrey22.JPG.jpg?resize=1024,705 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/arm-gen-mccaffrey22.JPG.jpg?resize=1536,1057 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/arm-gen-mccaffrey22.JPG.jpg?resize=2048,1409 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 5121px) 100vw, 5121px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, (Ret.) left, is pinned with the Vietnam Veteran lapel pin by MSgt Rob Wilkins (USAF Ret.), Military Evangelist for HistoryNet, The Military Times, and Defense News publications,  during a visit at Sightline Media Group in Vienna, Va., on Thursday, November 10, 2016. General McCaffrey served in the United States Army for 32 years. When he retired in 1996, he was the most decorated General serving in the United States Army, having been awarded 3 Purple Heart Medals for wounds received in combat,\n2 Distinguished Service Crosses (the nation\u0092s second highest award for valor), and 2 Silver Stars for valor.  He served overseas for more than 12 years &#8212;and 4 combat tours with the 82nd Airborne Division, the Vietnamese Airborne Division, the 1st Cavalry Division\nand the 24th Mechanized Infantry Division.\nGeneral McCaffrey served as the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), under President Bill Clinton from 1996 to 2001.\nGeneral McCaffrey is currently on the board of advisors for Vietnam magazine. (Alan Lessig\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vietnam veterans can locate upcoming commemorative events <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vietnamwar50th.com\/events\/\" title=\"\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>; zoom in to locate your state and city or town, and click a blue pin to reveal details of an upcoming event, including contact information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there are no blue pins in your area, check back frequently as new events are added every week. Veterans who need help finding a commemorative event can <a href=\"mailto:whs.pentagon.wso.mbx.vnwar50th-cpp-events-application@mail.mil\" title=\"\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\">email the commission<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/veterans\/2018\/03\/23\/vietnam-commissions-certificate-of-honor-program-pays-tribute-to-pows-spouses-and-families\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"157\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/635948500864917608-tns-vietnam-wreath06jpg.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Vietnam commission\u2019s Certificate of Honor program pays tribute to POWs, spouses and families<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The certificates are available through the same Defense Department-backed group that offers lapel pins to Vietnam War-period veterans.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now is the time for all Americans to fully embrace the brave men and women who returned home from Vietnam and other locations around the world, often to shame and disgrace \u2014 or served in uniform during that period and failed to get the respect due them \u2014 by publicly thanking them with honor and dignity, as well as recognizing the sacrifices of their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vietnamwar50th.com\" title=\"\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\">www.vietnamwar50th.com<\/a> or <a href=\"mailto:whs.pentagon.wso.mbx.vnwar50th-cpp@mail.mil\" title=\"\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\">email us<\/a> at whs.pentagon.wso.mbx.vnwar50th-cpp@mail.mil for more information about the Commemoration and the Commemorative Partner Program, respectively. Join the nation &#8230; thank a Vietnam veteran!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"702\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MIL-VIETNAM-JACKSON-040218.png.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-85361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MIL-VIETNAM-JACKSON-040218.png.png 1200w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MIL-VIETNAM-JACKSON-040218.png.png?resize=300,176 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MIL-VIETNAM-JACKSON-040218.png.png?resize=768,449 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MIL-VIETNAM-JACKSON-040218.png.png?resize=1024,599 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><i>Retired Army Maj. Gen. Jim Jackson is the director of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The head of the Vietnam War Commemoration office on its work to honor veterans on March 29 &#8230; and throughout the coming years.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":66790,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_acf":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":77,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_smg_distribution_targets":[]},"categories":[77,10,14,19],"tags":[],"coauthors":[5263],"class_list":["post-42166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-commentary","category-military-honor","category-opinion","category-veterans"],"acf":{"subheadline":"","legacy_arc_id":"OJEYDNE5ZREB7MWDPYPJNJX3NU","arc_canonical_url":"\/opinion\/commentary\/2018\/03\/25\/commentary-for-vietnam-veterans-a-thank-you-long-overdue\/","remove_feature_photo":true,"is_sponsored":false,"subtype":"remove-feature-image","redirect_url":"","disable_inline_ads":false,"native_logo_pretext":"Presented By:"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.0 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Commentary: For Vietnam veterans, a \u2018thank you\u2019 long overdue - Marine Corps Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The head of the Vietnam War Commemoration office on its work to honor veterans on March 29 ... and throughout the coming years.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/opinion\/commentary\/2018\/03\/25\/commentary-for-vietnam-veterans-a-thank-you-long-overdue\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Commentary: For Vietnam veterans, a \u2018thank you\u2019 long overdue\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The head of the Vietnam War Commemoration office on its work to honor veterans on March 29 ... and throughout the coming years.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/opinion\/commentary\/2018\/03\/25\/commentary-for-vietnam-veterans-a-thank-you-long-overdue\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Marine Corps Times\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2018-03-25T19:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-08T03:47:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Army Maj. Gen. Jim Jackson (ret.)\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Army Maj. Gen. 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