Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center

This flag symbolizes the nation's recognition to all Vietnam era Veterans for the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration

VA, along with nearly 9,000 organizations across the country, has joined with the Department of Defense as a commemorative partner to honor our nation’s Vietnam Veterans. March 29, 2016 has been designated as a day for VA to express our tremendous gratitude and support to this generation of Americans through ceremonies across the nation. 

Titled Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration, agencies and VAs will recognize all men and women who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the U.S. involvement in Vietnam—November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. Nine million Americans, with approximately 7.2 million living today, served during that period. This commemoration makes no distinction between Veterans who served in-country, in-theater or who were stationed elsewhere during those 20 years. This commemoration honors all who answered the call of duty.

In recognition of this significant anniversary, the Walla Walla VA Medical Center will be hosting a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Open House on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the lobby of Building 143 Outpatient Clinic.

Everyone - especially Vietnam Veterans - are invited to attend this special event. The Walla Walla VA wishes to recognize and honor these Veterans for their service and sacrifice.

We will honor all Veteran patients, Veterans in our community, and Veteran employees who are Veterans of the Vietnam War. Our nation’s Vietnam War commemoration is a long-overdue opportunity for all Americans to recognize, honor, and thank our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices during one of America’s longest wars.

Vietnam Veterans and their families in attendance will receive a specially designed lapel pin, and there will be other materials available for Vietnam Veterans, families, and the community. We are honored to have Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers on hand from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. who will visit with Veterans in attendance.  Light refreshments will include cake and punch.

This commemoration has special significance for those of us at VA because of our honored mission to serve those who have “borne the battle.”  It’s also an opportunity to remember our VA colleagues who served in this generation of Veterans, to extend our heartfelt appreciation to them and to their families who shared the burden of their loved one’s service.

Click HERE to read VA's national press release for this special commemoration.

For additional details of this event, please contact Linda Wondra, Public Affairs, at 509.525.5200, ext. 26520.