The Rock Island National Cemetery will host the Vietnam War – 50th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 29. The ceremony, held annually on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, will be coordinated by local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter.
The agenda includes: A welcome and introductions by Matt Tomes, director of the Rock Island National Cemetery; National Anthem sung by Jim Bell, Vietnam Veterans of America 299; Keynote Address – John Lavelle, Vietnam Veteran, will provide the keynote; a wreath laying; a rifle salute by the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapters; and Taps performed by Tracy Hepner, Moline American Legion Post 246.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a U.S. holiday observed on March 29. It honors all United States veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense, and launched by President Barack Obama.
In 2012, the nation launched a 13-year long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War to ensure that every veteran, family, caregiver, and survivor impacted by the difficult years in Vietnam feels our nation’s gratitude for their sacrifice.
