Veterans of the Vietnam War were not always treated with the respect they deserved when they returned home from their service. In fact, many were treated poorly. Established in 2012, the National Vietnam War Commemoration was created to recognize the former servicemembers who fought in this war and show them the respect they earned.
Nationwide, veterans of the Vietnam War are invited to attend ceremonies during which they are recognized for their service and given commemorative pins. WSLS 10 News described the front of the pins as having the image of an eagle and markers which were intended to represent the allies in the Vietnam War. The back is engraved with the phrase, "A grateful nation thanks and honors you."
"This is an opportunity for us to stop for a moment and acknowledge the sacrifice and the things that they did for this country," VA Regional Benefits Office director Bradley Mayes told the Boston Globe.
The news source reported that there are about 7 million living former servicemembers from the Vietnam War. The commemoration program's goal is to honor each and every one through the year 2025 by holding pinning ceremonies across the nation.