Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring March 29, 2025, as National Vietnam War Veterans Day in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation present it to Randy Phillipp, US Navy, Commander of Henderson, Smith, Edmonds American Legion Post 86, Levelle Ferrell, US Army (Vietnam Veteran) and James Crampton, US Army (Vietnam Veteran)
Discussion
Declared in 2017 when President Donald Trump signed it into law, National Vietnam War Veterans Day was created to pay tribute and commemorate the sacrifices of veterans who served in the Vietnam War and their families. March 29th was designated as this day of observance as it was this day in 1973 that the United States Military Assistance Command in Vietnam was disestablished and the last of the U.S troops departed Vietnam and prisoners were freed.
The Vietnam War was one of the longest running wars in history, involving America. The war took the lives of over three million people during its 20-year span from 1955 to 1975. This national commemoration was authorized to honor all who served in-country, in-theater, or were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. Congress outlined five objectives that would highlight this commemoration; to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families, highlight services of our Armed Forces and support organizations during the war, pay tribute to wartime contributions at home by American citizens, highlight technology/science/medical advancements made during the war, and recognize contributions by our allies.
When acknowledging their contributions to the country, it is also important to understand that it wasn’t the soldiers’ choice to go to war. U.S. Senators Pat Toomey and Joe Donnelly introduced the legislation proposing the anniversary of the withdrawal of military units from South Vietnam as the date. Here in the City of Rockville, we encourage everyone to honor all veterans in our community and to thank them for their service.
Mayor and Council History
Mayor and Council present this proclamation annually .