Vietnam War Veterans honored at JHQVAMC
(MOUNTAIN HOME, Tenn.) —James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC) recognized Vietnam Veterans March 29, 2023, to honor all who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location.
The day of recognition included ceremonies at the medical center’s Community Living Center (CLC) and Domiciliary, and Veterans were greeted at all JHQVAMC VA clinics throughout the region.
At the ceremonies and during greetings, medical center staff gave Veterans a special “welcome home” message, a Vietnam War Veteran Commemoration lapel pin, and a copy of the Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Presidential proclamation.
“Since the birth of the United States, no single generation of Americans has been spared the responsibility of defending freedom by force of arms,” said JHQVAMC Director Dean B. Borsos, during the ceremony at the CLC. “Our country, community, families and our children owe you a debt of gratitude.”
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designates March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, was disestablished March 29, 1973, the same day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration makes no distinction between Veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or those who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. Today, there are approximately 7 million men and nearly 300 thousand women living in the U.S. and abroad, who served from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975.
William Cook, a Vietnam War Veteran and resident at the CLC, served during the Vietnam War and said he felt honored by the ceremony.
“I lived some long years before we received any recognition,” said Cook. “It can be hard to accept good recognition, but it’s good they do it.”