Words From the Director/CEO: Honoring Heroes on Vietnam War Veterans Day
Tom Shull
Exchange Director/CEO
Team Exchange,
April 30 will mark the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, which effectively ended the Vietnam War. Four American Exchange executives and about 35 Vietnamese associates and their families were among those who were evacuated from South Vietnam.
More than two years earlier, on March 29, 1973, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, was disestablished and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Vietnam War Veterans Day takes place March 29, honoring the troop’s departure.
Despite these events taking place in the mid-1970s, it wasn’t until 2017, when the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law that National Vietnam War Veterans Day was established.
The establishment of a day dedicated to honoring Vietnam Veterans, more than 40 years after the war ended, reflects the Nation’s ongoing recognition of their sacrifices as well as the challenges they faced after their service.
During the early 1970s, when I was an infantry platoon leader and company commander in the Army, many Soldiers returned from Vietnam broken, met by an American public that did not fully understand their service. Despite their tremendous sacrifices, these Veterans did not receive the warm welcome home of those who returned from war both before and after Vietnam. Some returned to angry protests, name-calling and even spitting.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day acknowledges that these troops did not receive a proper homecoming and endeavors to right that wrong. Since 2018, Team Exchange has been honored to do its part, in partnership with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, to celebrate the distinguished service of our Nation’s Vietnam Veterans.
Except for 2020, when ceremonies were canceled because of COVID-19, PXs and BXs have faithfully held lapel-pinning ceremonies since 2018 on March 29 to honor all Vietnam-era Veterans who served from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location.
These pinning ceremonies are emotional for Veterans and our teammates who serve those who serve at Exchanges worldwide. For many, the in-store events are the first time these heroes have been publicly thanked for their service. Veterans have consistently shown their gratitude to Team Exchange for these events.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration lapel pins are provided as a token of our Nation’s appreciation. The message “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You” is engraved on the back of each pin—the side closest to the heart.
Many Exchange teammates served in Vietnam with distinction. If you have the honor of serving with Vietnam Veterans, please take a moment to thank them for their service. And please remember their family members, who also made sacrifices for Veterans and our Nation. Let them know how deeply their selflessness is appreciated.
This is the final year for the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, which will conclude on Veterans Day in November. The Exchange will always be honored to celebrate the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families. It is an honor to serve heroes like them.
A Vietnam Veteran receives a commemorative lapel pin from Osan AB Food Court Manager Mr. Song, Song-in during a 2024 Vietnam War Veterans Day pinning ceremony.
