“With conviction, our Nation pledges our enduring respect, our continuing care, and our everlasting commitment to all Vietnam veterans.”

This year marks the fifth anniversary of March 29 being designated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Across the nation, take time to thank and honor those who answered the call, confronted the enemy, supported the effort, returned home and cemented their places as great American entrepreneurs.

Capitalizing on a "Can Do" spirt, they seized the initiative and made every corner of America a better place. They raised families, started businesses, and held elective office. They built the iconic Vietnam Veterans Memorial, formed Vietnam Veterans of America, befriended the Gold Star Families of their fallen battle buddies, and continue fighting for causes benefitting all veterans!

The members of Sons and Daughters In Touch extend to all Vietnam veterans a most sincere, "Thank You" and "Welcome Home!"

Next week, these ceremonies will occur at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial:

• On Saturday, March 26 at 10:30AM EST, Jan Scruggs - the founder of the Wall - and Vietnam veteran, former Secretary of Defense & US Senator Chuck Hagel will hold a public ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to recall where they stood 40 years ago when the first shovels of dirt were dug to build the Wall.

• On Saturday, March 26 at 1PM EST, as part of the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the Memorial, a commemoration of the groundbreaking will take place. This event is open to the public and will also be live streamed on the VVMF Facebook page:Watch the 40th Anniversary of the Wall's Groundbreaking Here

• On Tuesday, March 29 at 10AM EST, to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a very brief wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The ceremony will include some Gold Star family members from the Vietnam War and leaders from the United States Military. While not a public ceremony, you can view the event here: Watch the Wreath Laying Ceremony

• On Tuesday, March 29 at 1PM EST, a ceremony co-hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will take place to commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day. That event will also be live streamed on the VVMF Facebook page: Watch the 2022 National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony

March 25 was established by Congress as National Medal of Honor Day to “foster public appreciation and recognition of Medal of Honor recipients.”

Each year on this day, Medal of Honor Recipients lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The “unknowns” buried at Arlington are each Medal of Honor Recipients.

Among the 3,511 Medal of Honor recipients are several fathers of SDIT members. At right are images of SDIT fathers (top to bottom) Marvin Shields, USN (daughter Barbara), Riley Pitts, USAF (son Mark) and Steven Bennett, USAF (daughter Angela). These heroes were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for valorous actions while giving their lives in the Vietnam War.

At SDIT's Father's Day 2000 ceremony, Medal of Honor recipient Alfred Rascon (bottom right) was a featured speaker.

For SDIT's virtual Father's Day ceremony in 2020, Medal of Honor Recipient Sammy Davis (whose heroics were emulated by Forrest Gump) payed tribute to Gold Star families by playing his signature tune 'Shenandoah' on the harmonica. Fast Forward to 13:30 to watch as Sammy Davis plays "Shenandoah"

Here is a link to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website which highlights the activities occurring on March 25.

Click here: Medal of Honor Day Events

Here is the link to a short video narrated by Gary Sinise about the history of the Medal of Honor.

Watch: Gary Sinise Foundation Medal of Honor Video

Update on Senate Bill 3734: Sons and Daughters In Touch joins the voices of Gold Star families from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Global War on Terror and many others in opposing the 'Gold Star Families Day Act.' Scores of individuals and organizations have voiced disappointment with the bill which would completely change the definition and criteria of a Gold Star family. Those with questions or comments about SDIT's position are invited to email the organization here: Email SDIT

Visit SDIT on our social sites: