{"id":76153,"date":"2023-04-25T20:20:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-25T20:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2023\/04\/25\/us-vietnam-war-commemoration-hosting-may-welcome-home-event-in-dc\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T14:35:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T14:35:44","slug":"us-vietnam-war-commemoration-hosting-may-welcome-home-event-in-dc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/your-navy\/2023\/04\/25\/us-vietnam-war-commemoration-hosting-may-welcome-home-event-in-dc\/","title":{"rendered":"US Vietnam War Commemoration hosting May \u2018welcome home\u2019 event in DC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The United States Vietnam War<\/a> Commemoration is calling on all Vietnam War veterans and their families to head to the National Mall May 11-13 for a \u201cwelcome home\u201d <\/a>event featuring performances, speakers and a chance to connect with veterans service organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event will be the organization\u2019s biggest yet, and a warm-up for the 50th anniversary, acting director Army Maj. Ed Chrystal told reporters Tuesday. Congress created the United States Vietnam War Commemoration back in 2008<\/a>, with a mandate increase outreach and hold events to honor Vietnam veterans and their families through 2025, when the U.S. will mark 50 years since the end of the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Vietnam War Commemoration estimates approximately 7 million Vietnam veterans are currently living within the United States and abroad, and through our estimations, we have reached about 3.7 million of those veterans,\u201d Chrystal said. \u201cSo we have two years and we\u2019ve got about three and a half million veterans to go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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210924-N-GR120-1013 WASHINGTON (September 24, 2021) Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Pete Aylward, the director of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, presents the Vietnam War Commemoration flag to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith. The mission of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the nation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna Van Nuys)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In this year\u2019s event, starting May 11, the <\/b>organization will set up \u201cCamp Legacy\u201d along West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C., with static helicopter displays and more than 40 exhibit tents featuring museum displays, veterans advocates and allied country participants like South Korea and Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daily events will include a jump by the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, speakers, panel discussions, concerts, high school bands and local junior ROTC drill teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The VA will also have their mobile veterans assistance unit on site to help connect any participants to services, Chrystal said.<\/p>\n\n\n\t