Question: How can we honor our Vietnam War Veterans this May?
Answer: On May 11-13, 2023, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration will host “Welcome Home! A Nation Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families,” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This national once-in-a-lifetime event will honor Vietnam veterans and their enduring legacy of service and inspire Americans to thank them and their families for their service and sacrifice.
Question: When was the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration authorized?
Answer: The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense, and launched by the president in 2012. By Presidential Proclamation, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration continues through Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. The Commemoration honors all veterans 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 as all were called to serve and none could self-determine where they were stationed.
Question: How many Veterans has the Vietnam War Commemoration publicly thanked?
Answer: Since 2012, more than 3.4million Vietnam veterans and their families have been publicly thanked by friends and neighbors during 24 thousand ceremonies hosted by our dedicated Commemorative Partners.
Question: What activities are happening at the May 2023 Vietnam War Commemoration?
Answer: Activities will include daily musical performances and programs, interactive experiences, historic and static Vietnam period helicopter displays, a veteran services hub and much more. Participating in this event are more than 70 groups including our premier military bands, honor guard units and drill teams, Gold Star families; POW/MIA organizations; veterans associations; government agencies; national, military and Smithsonian museums; high school bands; and Junior ROTC drill teams.
On Thursday, May 11th A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will open Camp Legacy, located on the western end of the JFK Hockey Fields adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Camp Legacy will be open May 11-13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and encompasses a second location at West Potomac Park—situated across from Independence Avenue.
On Saturday, May 13 at 1 p.m., a multimedia celebration titled “Welcome Home” will be presented at West Potomac Park. This celebration will feature musical performances, dramatic storytelling, and videos all portraying the story of our Vietnam veterans and the enduring legacy of their service. It also will underscore the sacrifices of their families; and the contributions of our allies and citizen volunteers who supported American troops during the Vietnam War period.
Question: What can I do?
Answer: Join this national-scale event with a humble “Thank You” and “Welcome Home” by thanking a Vietnam Veteran on social media!
- Use #WelcomeHome2023.
- Read about the 50th Commemoration at https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/
- Join the Nation … Thank a Vietnam Veteran!
- Recognizing our Veterans is important. Do you know a Veteran that should be recognized on the Veteran’s Wall in Hillsboro? If you have a name to add please call and email Rich Gehrke at: rich.gehrke@fumic.com 701-436-5777 OR mail the Traill County VSO Office at PO Box 785 Hillsboro, ND 58045
Traill County Veterans Service Office 