WHEREAS, Vietnam War Veterans Day is a necessary act of reconciliation that acknowledges and celebrates the millions of men and women who served in the United States military during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, more than 200,000 Virginians served during the Vietnam War and of those courageous soldiers, nine received the Congressional Medal of Honor which are displayed in the Virginia Medal of Honor Gallery; and

WHEREAS, on March 29, 1973, the last United States troops left Vietnam, and the final prisoners of war were released; and

WHEREAS, Vietnam War Veterans Day brings forth an opportunity to recognize the significant sacrifices of war veterans and honor the soldiers who dedicated their lives to unwavering service; and

WHEREAS, more than 3 million Vietnam veterans have been publicly recognized and honored at over 21,000 local, state, and federal ceremonies; and

WHEREAS, Vietnam War Veterans Day aims to correct historical oversights by ensuring Vietnam veterans receive the honor, gratitude, and respect they deserve;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize March 29, 2026, as VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.