Vietnam was one of the country’s most important historical times. During this time, people were involved with great responsibility and duty. They served in the military and as officials, volunteers, and messengers.
You can find pictures, videos, and stories about what they did and how they impacted society today. This is a time to recognize their service and contributions to society and paid veterans.
We hope you will join us as we reflect on their contributions and welcome home veterans this weekend!
Today, we talk about what Vietnam Veterans Day means. We also talk about what Veterans Day is really about-the struggle veterans face when they return to civilian life.
After 40+ years after the war ended, 1 in 4 Americans still suffers from PTSD. This continues after they leave the military because it is not treated.
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What is Vietnam Veterans Day?
Vietnam Veterans Day is a nationwide non-religious holiday celebrated on Veterans Day, November 8. Created in 2003, this day honors those who served in the Vietnam War with honor and gratitude.
Since 1999, the U.S. Post Office has issued a commemorative postage stamps set named after this day. These stamps feature an American flag and are designed to look like a military letter or document.
By going out of their way to use these veteran-focused stamps, the U.S. Postal Service hopes that more people will commemorate this important date by displaying them or sending them.
This date was created to be different from Memorial Day and Armistice Day, which are national holidays that celebrate war dead. Instead of military fighters, Vietnam Veterans Day focuses on the veterans themselves.
History of Vietnam Veterans Day
Today, we will talk about the history of Vietnam Veterans Day. As you may know, President Trump announced that he would be changing the date of Veterans Day from November 6 to November 10.
This is a new date that was enacted by Congress in 1991. Prior to 1991, Veterans Day had been celebrated on October 11.
1991 was a pivotal year for Veterans Day. For the first time, it was celebrated on a Saturday! After this change, Veteran’s Day stayed on Saturday until 2015 when Congress changed it to the current day.
Today, November 10 is the day that everyone remembers World War II veterans and their service. But in past years, there was always something special about this day being changed to honor veterans.
Because of this historical significance, 2011 and earlier presidents chose to have a ceremony at 9:30 am instead of 12 pm like today’s ceremony has become.
How to celebrate Vietnam Veterans Day
On November 11, called Vietnam Veterans Day, the U.S. celebrates the service of its military members who fought in Vietnam.
Since 1975, when the U.S. took over control of Vietnam, until 1992, it was controlled by the Geneva Accords, which set rules and regulations for governments to deal with their citizens.
During this time, there were several ways to show your appreciation for military members and veterans. Some popular ways include visits to a military base or monument, commemorations such as Memorial Day or Veterans Day, sponsoring a veteran event such as a dinner or parade, and last but not least, thanking them for their service at home.
Ways veterans can be honored
As an honorable way to remember and respect our veterans, you can go to one of the following locations and do something fun for them.
Parade and events
Barbecues are a favorite food staple. So, if you are hosting an event, barbecue or celebration is an excellent way to honor your veteran community member or veterans in your community.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is the largest war memorial in the United States and includes both symbolic and non-symbolic elements. The memorial was dedicated on May 7, 1990, by U.S. President George H. W. Bush with the help of Congress.
The non-symbolic elements include flowers, teddy bears, posters, etchings, pet carriers, and toy soldiers that represent those who went overseas with children who were not veterans. The symbols include tablets inscribed with memories of service members who have passed away since World War II began.
Recognize those who served
After World War II, many veterans returned to their countries to help build new democracy and resume former careers. This was especially important since the U.S. had stopped funding many development efforts in Asia as it recovered from war.
Today, veterans play an important role in society. Nearly one million active and reserve military members and more than 500 military officers serve in their country in some capacity.
As members of the armed forces, veterans are granted certain rights and privileges only applied to non-military citizens. For example, they cannot be fired for joining a company or unit as a soldier, using their military training when hired at a different job level, or being promoted to another position because of how competent they are at that job level.
Additionally, only full-time employees can demand respect through annual performance reviews or if they are let go from their job.
Look at a history book
When we look at history books, we see many pictures of people who were not veterans. They are not pictured in the books as heroes.
There are very few history books that include pictures of veterans. So, when we look at the history books as stories, many stories are missing parts that include veterans.
By not including pictures of veterans in the history books, they are removed from society’s mind as important people. This can be a way for society to evaluate how much they know about veterans and how much they respect them.
If you look at any history book, you will see that some people are unknown to it and were good soldiers or farmers who did not get recognition for what they did. We can have a big impact on our community by recognizing these people and giving them recognition.
Talk to a veteran
Tell a veteran how much you appreciate what they did for our country.
It will make a difference in how he or she acts toward you. Some veterans have trouble expressing themselves and forming relationships, so choosing a veteran to talk to is a big deal.
If you are a veteran, choose an area where you can do something positive for others. Maybe you could work at the local homeless shelter or help run the donation bin at a store where others might not feel comfortable shopping with you on the merchandise desk.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure it is legal and safe for you. Many veterans are in need of volunteer work but aren’t ready to donate their time just yet. Make sure they know why it matters to them and listen to their concerns.
If possible, go meet them in person if this is safe and practicable for them.
Make a donation to a veterans organization
Are there veterans groups in your area that need financial help? Are there veteran groups in need of funds?
If so, you can make a difference by contributing to their organization. Many local veterans groups collect funds through a monthly dues system or through events such as fundraiserevents.com.
While it is not necessary to be a veteran to join these groups, they do support veterans and service members. Some groups also have training programs for new leaders.
Areas with more traffic are better places to launch a foundation. If people are willing to donate, you will have enough members to function correctly. The more contributors you have, the more money you will have!
If you are a veteran, check out the group that matches your backgroundGHz> and teach yourself how to contribute effectively.