Vietnam Memorial Day recognized on Friday
Published 1:12 pm Thursday, March 28, 2019
<p>Sgt. Maj. Billy Tippins | U.S. Army</p> <p>A U.S. Army chopper flies over the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Circa 1965-66.</p>
<p>John Dunn | Daily News</p> <p>The American flag waves proudly in front of Middlesboro City Hall.</p>
<p>John Dunn | Daily News</p> <p>The Vietnam War Memorial sits in front of Middlesboro City Hall and commemorates soldiers of Bell County,Claiborne County, Tenn. and Lee County, Va. that gave their lives in defense of the United States during the Vietnam war.</p>
<p>John Dunn | Daily News</p> <p>The Vietnam war memorial in front of Middlesboro City Hall memorializes soldiers of Bell County, Claiborne County and Lee County that gave their lives during the Vietnam war.</p>
On Nov. 11, 2014, President Donald J. Trump signed into law that March 29 would be recognized as Vietnam Memorial Day in the United States of America.
The U.S. suffered over 47,000 killed in action plus another 11,000 noncombat deaths; over 150,000 were wounded and 10,000 missing. Because the U.S. failed to achieve a military victory and the Republic of South Vietnam was ultimately taken over by North Vietnam, the Vietnam experience became known as “the only war America ever lost.”
It remains a very controversial topic that continues to affect political and military decisions today.
Forty-four years have passed since the last U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam. Due to the unpopularity of the war, veterans returning home were often met with disdain and did not receive support or gratitude for their service.
Out of the 2.7 million U.S. service members who served in Vietnam, more than 58,000 were killed and more than 304,000 were wounded. An estimate by the Smithsonian Museum suggests that approximately 271,000 Vietnam veterans may have post-traumatic stress disorder.
Previously, a proclamation by Barrack Obama declared March 29, 2012, Vietnam Veterans Day. With the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 signed into law by President Trump, Vietnam veterans will be commemorated annually for their service.
