The Vietnam War officially ended with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords on Jan. 27, 1973, which led to the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops by March 29, 1973. National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed on March 29 and serves to provide a welcome home and gratitude to veterans who often faced hostility upon their return. It is also Operation Homecoming for the 591 U.S. prisoners of war who were released. 

For many, this day brings grief for those lost, confusion for those who returned home to face anger and difficulty for those met with silence because others did not know what to say. These reactions left many veterans and their families to face challenging conversations with sometimes difficult outcomes.  

According to VA.gov, the vast majority of the 2.7 million Americans who served in uniform in Vietnam between 1955 and 1975 were men, but approximately 7,500 to 11,000 women, primarily nurses, also served. Overall, more than 8.7 million Americans served in the armed forces globally during the Vietnam era. 

At the end of the Vietnam War era, I was 2 to 3 years old and too young to understand what was happening around me. By the time I was in high school, just 14 years later, it had become a historical storyline that many citizens of the United States had moved past, as attention shifted to the Cold War. Over the last 30 years, I have pastored and cared for veterans and have had the great honor of spending time with veterans from all eras, hearing their life stories. To this day, the stories shared by Vietnam veterans are often told with tears in their eyes. The many emotions faced during that time, and still carried today, can bring deep moments of difficulty.  

Take a moment to reflect: How can you intentionally honor these men and women who served during a divided time in our nation’s history? What specific actions can you take today to show your appreciation? 

Please consider these thoughts as March unfolds. Many Vietnam veterans may walk a little slower through the store or pause a little longer at a sunset as they remember friends who did not return and sacrifices that were not properly recognized. 

• Honor these veterans by expressing your gratitude for their resilience and sacrifice, whether through a heartfelt thank-you or a note of appreciation.
• Acknowledge that every veteran deserves respect, regardless of the conflict, by recognizing their status and dedication whenever you can.
• Be a safe space for a veteran to tell their story, buy them a cup of coffee, and simply listen if they are willing to share.

Remember, by honoring those who have served, through our actions, words and attitudes, we demonstrate the value of their sacrifices. This message of value has the opportunity to inspire future generations to stand for this freedom and serve. As one who has not put on the uniform, I have nothing but respect for those who answered the call.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Kennewick at the foot of the cable bridgewas built in memory of those 62 men from the Tri-City area that are listed onthe marble monument who gave their lives in Vietnam.

| Courtesy Columbia Basin Veterans Center

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Kennewick at the foot of the cable bridge was built in memory of those 62 men from the Tri-City area that are listed on the marble monument who gave their lives in Vietnam. 

The original memorial was erected in 1985 by a dedicated group of Vietnam vets. The current memorial was erected in 2004 after vandalism destroyed the original one. Please consider taking a moment to visit and show honor to these men who paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

Kristopher Dahir is the executive director of the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, 1020 S. Seventh Ave., Pasco. Go to: columbiabasinvetcenter.org.