INSIDE THE VMM - National Vietnam War Veterans Day and A Belated WELCOME HOME

It's hard to believe that a year has already passed since the pandemic began, forcing the VMM to shut down on two separate occasions. As we roll into March, and we finally get to reopen our doors to the public, although it is a slightly restricted schedule. We also get the opportunity to celebrate one of the newest and, for me, very special days of recognition, honor, and celebration...for the veterans of the Vietnam War.

Only 4 years old, the Vietnam Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 makes March 29th a national flag day and a day to recognize the veterans of the Vietnam War. Begun by a presidential proclamation by President Barak Obama in 2012, Congress officially passed the VVR Act on March 28th, 2017 and it was signed into law by President Donald Trump on the same day. 

For me, this is a special day for a couple of reasons. My father, who passed away last April, was a career officer in the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam, as did Larry Callahan the VMM President/CEO and James Walters, VMM Vice-President. It's important to me that there is recognition of their service, mainly because, as history has proven, this was a very controversial and unpopular war. It has taken almost 50 years for the American public to openly embrace and support those who served in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

On March 29th, 2021, the VMM will be hosting a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans" ceremony, sponsored by Heart of Hospice Health Care. I invite everyone, if you haven't done so, take this opportunity to embrace Vietnam veterans with the love and respect they deserve and tell them "Welcome Home" and thank you for your service. 
THEY DERSERVE IT!