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Military Reunion Network | FALL 2018 | #militaryreunionsmatter Military Reunion Network | FALL 2018 | #militaryreunionsmatter
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honor and give thanks to a generation of proud of the crew of the USS Mayaguez that was detained
Americans who saw our country through one on May 12th, as well as the combined branch rescue
of the most challenging missions we have ever team of Marines and Air Force service members.
faced. While no words will ever be fully worthy The rescue operation resulted in additional losses
of their service, nor any honor truly befitting including Lieutenant Richard Vandegeer. He was
their sacrifice, let us remember that it is never killed on Koh Tang Island and is the last name to be
too late to pay tribute to the men and women included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Wall.
who answered the call of duty with courage and He joins the over 58,000 soldiers that died.
valor. Let us renew our commitment to the fullest The Vietnam War Commemoration is comprised
possible accounting for those who have not of a small but mighty staff that travels the country
returned.” at the invitation of veterans’ organizations of varying
sizes, age and branch of service. The most emotional
Presidential support for the Commemoration and significant part for veterans in attendance is
continued with President Donald Trump, by way of the presentation of a Vietnam War Veteran Lapel
another presidential proclamation in support of the Pin combined with the personal and individual
program. In addition, he signed into law the Vietnam appreciation on behalf of a grateful nation. It is
War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, designating impossible for them to do this on their own. Over 11,
March 29 National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The 000 organizations have applied and been accepted
Proclamation by President Trump includes the to participate as a Commemoration Partner. (The
following, Military Reunion Network received this designation in
late October.) We are charged with organizing events
“We applaud the thousands of local, State, where we celebrate the service of Vietnam veterans in
and national organizations, businesses, and our local community. The appreciation is not limited
governmental entities that have already to veterans but also spouses of deceased veterans,
partnered with the Federal Government in the POW/MIA, and the Unaccounted for.
Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of The majority of military reunions include those
the Vietnam War. Because of their remarkable that served between November 1st, 1955 and
leadership and dedication, countless Vietnam May 15th, 1975. During our conversation Brigadier
veterans and their families have been personally General (ret) Rose said, “We would welcome hearing
and publicly thanked and honored in ceremonies from any military reunion planner that has attendees
in towns and cities throughout our country. who served or have family members of those that
During my Administration, I promise to continue served over the time frame we have discussed. We
coordinated efforts to recognize all veterans wish to talk to them, partner with them and figure
of the Vietnam War for their service and out how we can help them honor the Vietnam
sacrifice, and to provide them with the heartfelt Veterans that are participating in the reunions.
acknowledgement and gratitude that they and The information, the lapel pins, our travel and our
their families so richly deserve.” participation with the reunion is all free. We just
need them to reach out to us.”
As stated earlier, it is the task of the Vietnam War An amazing gift to your fellow reunion attendees
Commemoration to recognize those veterans who would be to have a representative from the Vietnam
served on active duty between November 1st, 1955 War Commemoration make a presentation at your
and May 15th, 1975 regardless of where they served. banquet. Imagine hearing “On behalf of a grateful
I asked General (retired) Jackson about those dates. nation, we thank you for your service. Welcome
He said, “We picked 1 November ‘55 because it was Home.”
the first date that we could identify where there was For more information, about the Vietnam War
an establishment of a headquarters organization Commemoration and/or events in your area, please
focused specifically on Vietnam. We picked that date visit www.vietnamwar50th.com or 1-877-387-9951.
with the intent on being as inclusive as we could Please contact Brigadier General (retired) Rose
find.” The official end of the war was April 30th, 1975. to register your reunion with the Vietnam War
The end date of May 15th, 1975 allows for inclusion Commemoration.
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