Fifty years ago, on April 30th, we marked the official end of the conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Also known as the Vietnam War, over 58,000 U.S. service members died and estimates of all deaths range up to 3 million. April 30th was chosen because that is the day in 1975 our embassy in Saigon fell.
About two years before all conflict ended, on January 27th, 1973, the U.S. and North Vietnam signed a settlement agreement in Paris, France. However, only the U.S. honored the cease-fire. North and South Vietnam continued to battle until North Vietnam conquered South Vietnam. (March 29th is celebrated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, because in 1973 the last of our combat troops departed from The Republic of Vietnam.)
On Veterans Day, 1982 the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated ensuring we will not forget our service members who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. Today, the
“Wall” is the most visited memorial on the National Mall.
We are pleased to have one of the original “Traveling Walls” in Sunset Hills Cemetery here in Bozeman. Our Wall is a scaled replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D. C.
On May 23, 1986, the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) became the only congressionally chartered national Vietnam veterans organization that is exclusively dedicated to Vietnam era
veterans and their families. VVA’s Founding Principle is “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” VVA exists to support all veterans and their families.
We know from personal experience that our military members face significant challenges when they return to civilian life. We will never abandon our war fighters who have sacrificed much and have earned our respect and care.
Membership in VVA is open to U. S. military veterans who served on active duty in Vietnam between November 1, 1955, and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975.
The Vietnam Veterans of America has over 90,000 members nationwide and continues to grow. The Southwest Montana Chapter of VVA has over 125 members and we also continue to grow.
Nationally, our collective goals include “to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans.” Efforts include working with Congress and the Administration to advance legislation and policies that support the care veterans have earned.
According to the Veterans Administration, there are about 91,000 veterans in Montana. We strive to be sure these veterans have what they need for a healthy life.
We will not abandon any U. S. veteran of any generation.
Steve Holland, President
Vietnam Veterans of America
Southwest Montana Chapter