Vietnam Veterans of America

35 Years of Service: Celebrating VVA Chapter 351 in Wisconsin ???? This June, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 351 marked 35 years of dedicated service and community impact. The chapter was celebrated for its enduring legacy of accomplishments on behalf of veterans, and every member was honored with a handmade Quilt of Valor. Highlights: - Celebrated 35 years of service with an anniversary event. - Recognized for outstanding community programs, including initiatives in local high schools. - Praised by VVA Region 6 Director John Margowski: “In 35 years, to be as active as these ladies and gentlemen are, and still doing everything they do for the community is outstanding.” ?? We’d love to hear from you: What community initiatives do you believe best honor the legacy of our veterans? Share your thoughts below! #WisconsinVeterans #VietnamVeterans #VeteransCommunity #VeteransSupport #VeteransLegacy #VVAChapter351 #VeteransService #VeteransVoice

Dedicated to the Memory: Honoring Alexandria’s Fallen Heroes in Virginia ???? Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 227 helped raise $15,000 to install two new plaques honoring Alexandria service members who died in Vietnam. - One plaque was dedicated on Memorial Day at the Alexandria War Memorial. - A second, identical plaque was installed on the wall of historic Gadsby’s Tavern on Flag Day in June. This meaningful tribute was supported by local organizations including: - Veterans of Foreign Wars - American Legion - Association of the U.S. Navy - Military Order of the Purple Heart - Association of the U.S. Army - Daughters of the American Revolution - Cook for Vets and Cub Scout Pack 301 ?? We’d love to hear from you: How do you keep the memory of our heroes alive in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #VietnamVeterans #AlexandriaService #VeteransOfForeignWars #USArmy #VeteransSupport #FlagDay #VeteransVoice

Military Honors: Remembering Our Heroes This Memorial Day in Texas ???? On Memorial Day, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 457 honored U.S. military personnel at the Vietnam War Memorial at Mathis Field in San Angelo. Dozens of veterans and family members gathered to reflect on sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring support our heroes deserve. “We certainly want to be remembering our veterans and the families that gave their all, and remember the veterans who are still suffering from what they’ve gone through in all the wars,” said Chapter President Perry Stevens. “We want to remember them and be able to help them.” ?? We want to hear from you: How do you honor and support our veterans on Memorial Day? Share your stories and thoughts below! #Texas #MilitaryHonors #VietnamVeterans #VietnamWar #Veterans #MemorialDay #VeteransVoice

Warmest Welcome: Honoring Our Vietnam Veterans in South Carolina ???? On March 29—National Vietnam War Veterans Day—Vietnam Veterans of America Aiken Chapter 1145 and the Daughters of the American Revolution Trenton Chapter joined forces to welcome Vietnam veterans home. Key highlights: - Guest Speaker: Capt. Linda Caldwell (U.S. Army Nurse Corps, 1966–69) shared her moving reflections on the challenges faced upon returning home. - A Grateful Tribute: “Little did we know that when we returned, some of us wouldn’t receive a warm welcome,” Caldwell noted. She added, “I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to have served during that time. To my fellow Vietnam veterans, I say welcome home.” - Community Celebration: The ceremony offered veterans a heartfelt reception, reaffirming their service and sacrifice. ?? We’d love to hear from you: What are your most memorable moments from Veterans Day celebrations, or how do you welcome home our veterans? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below! #VietnamVeterans #SouthCarolina #VeteransDay #WelcomeHome #USArmyNurseCorps #MilitaryService #VeteransVoice

Memorial Service: Honoring Our Pennsylvania Heroes ???? Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 67 hosted its 31st annual Delaware County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Service in May at Philadelphia’s Market Square Memorial Park, paying tribute to 185 local heroes who sacrificed their lives in the war. - Names Read & Bell Tolls: Speakers honored each service member with a ceremonial bell. - Personal Tribute: Timothy D. McHugh, a Marine, was remembered poignantly. “We still miss him. Every year, it gets more difficult,” said his sister, Maureen McHugh. - A Legacy Remembered: The service serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of our veterans’ sacrifices. ?? We’d love to hear from you: How do you honor the memory of those who have served? Share your thoughts and stories below. #VietnamVeterans #MemorialService #Philadelphia #VeteransLegacy #MarketSquareMemorialPark #VeteransVoice

Oldest Glory: Honoring Our Flag and Veterans in Ohio ???? Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 649 of Clermont County held its 14th annual flag retirement ceremony on June 23 at the Union Township Amphitheatre. Each year, the chapter retires more than 3,000 worn and tattered flags, ensuring that our national symbol is treated with the respect it deserves. Key highlights: - Saint Thomas More Scout Troop 452 assisted by carefully separating the colors from the stars and burning each section separately. - The first 19 participants received a new 3-by-5-foot flag free of charge. - “This is an excellent program for your children and grandchildren to attend to learn about flag etiquette and the proper care of the flag,” said chapter member Steve Tam. ?? We want to hear from you: What does the ritual of flag retirement mean to you, and how do you pass on the importance of this tradition to the next generation? Share your thoughts in the comments! #OhioVeterans #FlagRetirement #ClermontCounty #VeteransCommunity #HonorOurFlag #AmericanPride #VeteransVoice

Never Forget: Honoring Heroes in Staten Island, New York ???? In June, Vietnam Veterans of America Thomas J. Tori Chapter 421 held their 31st annual Day of Remembrance at the Staten Island Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in West Brighton, honoring 85 local heroes who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Approximately 200 people attended this moving ceremony. Key moments included: - Family members and friends placing white carnations along the memorial’s walls. - Chapter members reading each of the 85 names aloud, followed by the tolling of a ceremonial bell. - A 21-gun salute and “Taps” closing the event. Chapter President Gene DiGiacamo shared, “I am awed that you have made this service grow. When I look out at you, I know that you and all that follow are committing to make sure that this country will not be given the opportunity to forget these heroes.” ?? We want to hear from you: How do you keep the memory of our heroes alive in your community? Share your thoughts and stories below! #VietnamVeterans #StatenIsland #DayOfRemembrance #VietnamWar #MemorialPark #Veterans #HonorOurHeroes #NeverForget #VeteransVoice

?? How do you believe investments in education can transform communities and honor the legacy of our veterans? Share your thoughts below!

Million-Dollar Donors: Investing in Future Generations in Michigan ???? Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 9 in Detroit has made a monumental impact by donating $250,000 to a scholarship fund for the descendants of local Vietnam veterans. To date, the chapter’s contributions total $1 million—a commitment that supports education and honors the legacy of service. Key highlights: Operated by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan . Since 2019, the fund has awarded 16 scholarships to postsecondary students (ages 16 to 30) who are direct descendants of qualifying Vietnam veterans. “Our chapter is proud to continue to support the families of those who served, and with the additional funds, provide more individuals access to higher learning,” said Chapter President Paul Palazzolo. Community Foundation CEO Richard L. DeVore added, “Since opening this fund a few short years ago, the organization has awarded almost $50,000 in scholarships, and the fund will continue to grow and provide scholarships in perpetuity.” ?? How do you believe investments in education can transform communities and honor the legacy of our veterans? Share your thoughts below! #MichiganVeterans #VietnamVeterans #HigherLearning #EducationFund #SupportOurVeterans #VeteransVoice

Student Support: Empowering the Next Generation in Kentucky ???? Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1050 in London is proud to support education in our community. This year, after reviewing 500-word essays from students at North Laurel High School, South Laurel High School, and Corbin High School, our members selected six outstanding recipients of the 2024 scholarships. Congratulations to: South Laurel: Trey Jackson and Parker Huffman North Laurel: Allyson Clark, Chloe McKnight, Waylon Allen, and Camden Fields These scholarships not only provide crucial financial support but also honor the legacy of service by empowering future leaders. ?? We want to hear from you: How do you think community scholarship programs like this one impact student success? What other initiatives can help bridge the gap between academic potential and opportunity? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #VeteransSupport #KentuckyEducation #StudentSuccess #VietnamVeterans #HighSchoolScholars #VeteransVoice