Virginia Joins In National Observance To Honor All Men And Women Who Served In U.S. Armed Forces During Vietnam Era
Virginia War Memorial To Host Special Evening Event March 29 –
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Governor Glenn Youngkin has proclaimed March 29, 2023 as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Virginia to recognize and honor the thousands of Virginia men and women who served in our Nation’s armed forces during the Vietnam War. The Commonwealth’s recognition coincides with the observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which became an official national day of remembrance in 2017.
“Virginia is home to nearly 700,000 military veterans. Of these, over 200,000 served during the Vietnam War era from 1961 through 1975,” said Daniel Gade, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS). “More than 1,300 Virginians died in service and another 46 are still missing in action. Nine Virginians who served were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, our Nation’s highest military honor.”
The Virginia War Memorial will commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day with a book talk and signing event with Barbara Powers Wyatt, author and editor of “We Came Home: The First Hand Stories of Vietnam POWS” followed by a special tour of the Memorial’s newest exhibit, “Fifty Years Beyond: The Vietnam Veteran Experience” from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023.The event is free and open to the public but because space is limited, pre-registration is required online at https://vawarmemorial.org/events/national-vietnam-veterans-day/ .
“It is especially important that all Virginians take the time on this special day to thank our fellow citizens who answered the call to serve our country,” said Commissioner Gade. “These veterans came back home, transitioned to civilian life, started families and became leaders in business, education, law, the arts, medicine, science, technology and public service throughout the Commonwealth.
“These brave men and women deserve nothing less than our highest praise and acknowledgment for their service and sacrifice. The new exhibit at the Virginia War Memorial tells the stories of fifty of these Vietnam veterans from throughout Virginia and I urge everyone to visit the Memorial and experience it.”
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services is a proud Commemorative Partner of the United States of America Vietnam War 50th Commemoration. For more information, click here.
About the Virginia War Memorial
The mission of the Virginia War Memorial is to Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Inspire Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is and will always be the Commonwealth’s tribute to those who served and most especially, to those who died defending our freedoms.
The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who have served in our military. It is located at 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220 and is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free, except for select events. For more information, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org.
About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 40 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. DVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education and other programs. The agency operates two long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; and provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.