Across the Nation, Americans are uniting to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice through the national Vietnam War Commemoration Committee. Established in 2012, the national 50th-anniversary commemoration was authorized by Congress under the secretary of defense and launched by President Barack Obama.
Thousands of organizations have become commemorative partners committing to honor Vietnam veterans with ceremonies, lapel pin presentations, and community events. As part of this commemoration, Mesa will host an event to help thank and welcome home our Vietnam-era Veterans who served from November 1st, 1955, to May 15th, 1975. More than 184,000 Vietnam veterans live in Arizona.
The celebration will occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main, Mesa, AZ.
As a commemorative partner, the Mesa team is working on fulfilling the following objectives:
- Thanking and honoring veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
- Highlighting the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
- Pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
- Highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research during the Vietnam War.
- Recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War
The Arizona celebration will include:
- A Pinning Ceremony.
- Speakers from the Dept. of Defense.
- Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Cadet (NJROTC) Color Guard.
- S. Coast Guard Auxiliary AZ Flotilla Band
- Salt River Pima Native American Dancers
- Dia De Los Muertos Folk Dancers
- More than 70 Informational booths for Veterans.
- Bands, food trucks, and much more.
Nancy Fassbender is coordinating the event in Mesa and is looking for military and veteran-oriented support services to register for booth presenters.
“We are providing them with a 10 x 10 area on the grass where they can set up an awning, tables, and chairs to hand out pamphlets, flyers, and other promotional items. Several booths will also have special drawings for prizes,” she said.
Their team is also looking for volunteers to help set up the area, drive golf carts, provide support at the information booths, and overall support. For more information email Nancy Fassbender at nfass@hotmail.com.
