Commemorative Partners

The Commemorative Partners Program is designed to assist federal, state and local communities, veterans’ organizations and other non-governmental organizations to participate in the Commemoration of the Vietnam War. Commemorative Partners are encouraged to plan and conduct events and activities that will recognize, thank and honor our Vietnam veterans and their families.

Events and activities should be dignified, memorable occasions that show a sensitivity and appreciation for the solemnity of war and the losses suffered by many. Applicants must communicate how the events will achieve the Congressionally-mandated objectives of the program. As a minimum, objective one must be achieved for each event.

1. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
2.  To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
3.  To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
4.  To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
5.  To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

To become an official Commemorative Partner, organizations must submit an application which outlines their commemorative plans. Once the application is approved, the Commemoration program will provide organizations with materials for developing and implementing their programs. Commemorative Partners must commit to conduct at least 2 events during the Commemoration period.

Commemorative Partners will be eligible to receive a certificate and letter from the Secretary of Defense, a commemorative flag, commemorative memorabilia and materials, access to the speakers bureau and website calendar system, and authorization to use the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration logo, without modification, for approved purposes. As stated before, events and activities must adhere to the defined Congressional objectives of the program. Events that do not reflect a dignified occasion or meet the stated objective will result in revocation of Commemorative Partner status and loss of access to materials, Commemoration logo authorization and website privileges.

The Commemorative program will provide additional resources and information, as available, to Commemorative Partners to help ensure scheduled events are successful and meaningful. The program will strive to put you in touch with local resources and volunteers that have offered assistance to the Commemorative program, and may send a representative(s) to participate in your event. Based upon post-event reports, submitted by the Commemorative Partner, event highlights may be featured on the official Commemorative website.