NSDAR Supports the Vietnam War Commemoration and Vietnam Veterans Day

Since the launch of the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration in 2012, the Daughters of the American Revolution has been a committed commemorative partner, vowing to meet the primary objective to “Thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, with distinct recognition of former prisoners of war and families of those still listed as missing in action.”

Currently, 1,982 DAR chapters, 51 State Societies and the Society are commemorative partners. DAR continues to be the Commemoration’s largest and strongest commemorative partner with chapters joining nearly every month. Since 2013, DAR has reported conducting more than 5,120 events and recognizing nearly 300,500 veterans -- and there may be more, as some go unreported.

As a partner organization, we are representatives of a grateful nation whenever we thank and honor a Vietnam veteran or family member.  We are in many ways turning back the pages of history and righting a wrong for some of these veterans and families by simply saying “thank you for your service and sacrifice.” It is always a surprise to hear a veteran tell you that no one has ever said “thank you” to them; sometimes the reaction is very emotional, especially when you present that veteran a lapel pin or a certificate of honor to family members who lost a loved one.

We are pleased to offer many suggestions for ways to honor Vietnam veterans and their families, as well as tools to help you do it.

• Social Media Blitz – Share the message that DAR supports and recognizes Vietnam Veterans on National Vietnam Veterans Day, March 29. Then, be sure to post photos of the events you stage in order to honor them.

• Vietnam Veterans Day Displays – Chapters and members are encouraged to create Vietnam Veterans Day displays at their local libraries, shopping malls and schools, similar to those that promote Constitution Week. Beautiful certificates, posters, lapel pins and stickers are available in the partners portal at www.VietnamWar50th.com

• Involve the community – Members and chapters are encouraged to solicit participation of local restaurants by requesting they give discounts or free meals/drinks to Vietnam Veterans on March 29. 
• Members serve the veterans – Members and chapters are encouraged to host events honoring veterans, something as simple as punch and cookies.  Remember to apply for the Commemoration’s stickers, pins and certificates to present to the veterans (via the link above).  
• Schools – Organize a Vietnam Veteran Appreciation Day at your local school. Teach the children about the war and about veterans. Invite veterans to attend and share their experiences. Be sure to bring your certificates, lapel pins, etc.
• Proclamations – Chapters and members are encouraged to request proclamations from your local cities, counties and states. Present the certificates to your veterans’ organization.
• Thank You Cards – Print a business card with the words “Thank you or your service,” the DAR logo and your chapter name/contact info; carry them with you the month of March and hand them out to the veterans you meet.

• Find Photos – There are now fewer than 300 photos that remain to be found of those who are listed on the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. Can you help find one of them? https://www.vvmf.org/News/Fewer-than-300-photos-needed-to-complete-The-Wall-of-Faces/

Questions about the Vietnam War Commemoration or how to become a Commemorative Partner may be sent to [email protected]. Or, you may call them at 877-387-9951.

We hope these ideas and tools will assist you in honoring Vietnam veterans and their families on Vietnam Veterans Day, March 29, 2020.  We’ve been given our marching orders, now let’s get to it!