In February, the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association (AVVBA) was added as one of our 61 new Honorary Partners of the year.  These partners are organizations made up solely of those who bore the battle or those who bore the loss of the Vietnam War.  VWC Director Chrystal and History and Legacy Chief Mark Franklin presented the distinction and are shown with the AVVBA at left.  In addition, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have been collaborating with us and their 2,148 Commemorative Partner chapters the past two years to confer this distinction on all Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) organizations—those who bore the battle—and to thank and honor the veterans in each of their 47 state councils and 605 chapters in our 50 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.  In addition to VVA state councils and chapters being bestowed this distinction, DAR members have been presenting Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins (VVLP) to VVA members who have never received one, and all VVA members are given a warm “Welcome Home” and the humble thanks of a grateful Nation.  To date, all 61 ceremonies have been completed.  Catch all the ceremony photos via our website.   

In March, we observed National Vietnam War Veterans Day along with the rest of the Nation, where more than 100 thousand  Vietnam veterans were thanked and honored during nearly 500  events!  Our annual national Joint Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (at right) was recorded, and included coverage from NBC, ABC, Stars and Stripes and DoD’s Defense Media Activity.  Also in time for March 29, a new Screening Package of our Welcome Home  honor concert was introduced for watch parties everywhere.  Screenings are becoming increasingly  popular, and included in the package are the Screening Guide, VVLP Presentation Addendum, Broadcast-quality streaming version, download options and flyer (at left).  If you have yet to see this Emmy-nominated  production, download it now  (HD 720p, SD 540p, SD 360p, and SD 240p versions) so you can enjoy long after our doors close and website is offline.  

In June, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs co-hosted a Mall of America three-day event where our Director participated alongside the State’s Governor and a U.S. Senator in a recognition ceremony (at right).  Hundreds  of Vietnam veterans were thanked and honored, and much of our staff was on-site and also participated in other activities such as Oral History Interviews and Welcome Home screenings where the concert was shown in multiple theaters with standing-room only! 

During the summer, U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran and award-winning CBS News Pentagon Correspondent, Mr. David Martin was presented a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin for his service.  Special Assistant to the Director, U.S. Army Col. Pat Cramer rendered the honor (at left) in our Pentagon Vietnam War Exhibit.   

 

In September, we observed National POW/MIA Recognition Day  and paid tribute to those held prisoners and returned, those still missing, and to the families still awaiting news of their loved ones.  The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)’s new poster was highlighted in Issue 10 (at right), as they tirelessly pursue their mission of providing the fullest possible accounting for all missing personnel to their families and the Nation.  Last year, the identification of five previously missing Vietnam War military service members was announced: U.S. Air Force pilot, Major John C. G. Kerr, U.S. Air Force Sergeant David S. Price, U.S. Marine Corps Captain Ronald W. Forrester, U.S. Navy Reserve pilot, Lieutenant Commander Larry R. Kilpatrick, and U.S. Army Warrant Officer Albert R. Trudeau.

 

Last Autumn, in collaboration with Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), we hosted a public tram tour (at left), featuring five Vietnam War veteran grave site visits; the Vietnam Helicopter Association Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  It was a powerful impact on all who attended.  Catch ANC’s tour blog post as well as their video for excellent summaries of the tour. 

 

November  and December  captured numerous veteran recognitions for Veterans Day,  and we wrapped up our Commemorative Partner (CP) application program.  A final partner welcomed—was U.S. and Canada-based senior living community organization Sunrise Senior Living—who is seeking to thank and honor Vietnam veterans in all of their 270+ communities through ceremonies and Welcome Home screenings in the days and years to come.  Thank you, and a hearty congratulations to all of our Partners  throughout 2024!  

 

Finally, our last two videos  were released: the short Join the Nation for use in perpetuity, and our Director’s final message with a call to carry on the torch. 

 

As we engage the remaining months of 2025, stay tuned as we prepare for National Vietnam War Veterans Day.  Remember to submit your event requests for materials as soon as possible, but by March 15  to ensure you have what you need.  We also have myriad digital resources available for your program and event inclusion as the day draws near.  Though our SITREPs are winding down, we will continue through the end of March, releasing our final SITREPs following National Vietnam War Veterans Day and the weeks that follow.  Our work will soon be turned over to you and all Americans, as you engage the country to Join the Nation and thank a Vietnam veteran!