Watch Now! How to Host Pinning Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans Day

The Exchange is honored to celebrate Vietnam Veterans with recognition ceremonies in stores on or around March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Stores around the world are taking extra precautions to ensure these special events are conducted with care and concern for the health and well-being of both guests and teammates.

“It is the Exchange’s duty, honor and privilege to let these heroes know their service, valor and sacrifice are deeply appreciated,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, a Vietnam-era Army Veteran. “Thank you for making these events safe celebrations.”

This video outlines precautions Exchange stores should take to host these events safely, including:

• Following Department of Defense guidance on wearing cloth face coverings.
• Spacing seats 6 feet apart, except for guests who are accompanied by family members or caregivers.
• Offering hand sanitizer at the store entrance and on event tables.
• Presenting pins to Veterans without contact. Veterans can receive pins from on a tray or table. Associates should not hand pins directly to Veterans and should not pin them to lapels.
• Offering Veterans a sincere thank you while refraining from handshakes or elbow bumps.
• Following all COVID-19 guidelines issued by state and local authorities to ensure your event is compliant.

“Since Day One of planning these events, safety has been our focus,” said Nicola Carter, senior vice president of store operations. “The Exchange has put in place safeguards and procedures that allow us to celebrate these heroes safely.”

The Exchange has been a Commemorative Partner with the Vietnam War Commemoration since 2013, planning and conducting events and activities recognizing Vietnam Veterans and their families. The Exchange has hosted pinning events since 2018, except for 2020, in which they were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense and launched by the President in 2012. It will continue through Veterans Day 2025.

Share your photos with us!

The Exchange Post and social media teams will showcase these special events. Send your best pictures to exchangepost@aafes.com and socialmedia@aafes.com. Please attach the original image to the email and include names of all people pictured.