The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration: Congress has authorized the Department of Defense to commemorate the worldwide 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War during the period of 2015 to 2017. As a result, The United States of America
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration:
Congress has authorized the Department of Defense to commemorate the worldwide 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War during the period of 2015 to 2017. As a result, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration committee was formed with the following congressionally mandated objectives:
1. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war, or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
2. To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
3. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
4. To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
5. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.
One of the major ways the committee plans to accomplish these objectives is by recruiting Commemorative Partners throughout America. The Commemorative Partner Program is designed for federal, state and local communities, veterans’ groups, and other nongovernmental organizations to assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam Veterans and their families, just like America did for the veterans of World War II and Korea. It costs nothing to become a Commemorative Partner. Commemorative Partners plan and conduct events and activities that recognize and honor the service, valor, and sacrifice made by our 7.2 million living Vietnam veterans and the families of the 9 million who served on behalf of the nation.
To date, Oahu has formed a committee and has begun planning multiple activities, events and funding sources on Oahu. Those interested in forming a Kauai committee are encouraged to attend the Kauai Veterans Council meetings held at 5 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Kauai Veterans Center.
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Tony Elliott can be reached at the Kauai Office of Veterans’ Services at 241-3348.