Milwaukee's War Memorial Center recognizes Monday as National Vietnam War Veterans Day

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The War Memorial Center will recognize National Vietnam War Veterans Day with two events on Monday, March 29, which is the day reserved each year to thank and honor our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families.

A public ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m, Monday, March 29, at the Southeastern Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Veterans Park north of the War Memorial Center. The program is organized by Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans (WVV) Chapter One.

The SE Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Veterans Park is a sacred place for veterans. The three granite columns represent those killed in action, POW/MIA and those who returned home. Every March 29, WVV Chapter One gathers there to honor those represented by this memorial. WVV Chapter One was the driving force in the construction of the memorial 30 years ago this year. October 20, 2021 will be the official 30th anniversary of its dedication.

“For me, Vietnam War Veterans Day is a day to show our pride as Vietnam veterans. This is our day. No more anonymity. No apologies. We served our country proudly and with dignity. We stepped up when others refused. We are brothers and sisters forever and will never forget those who gave their tomorrows for our todays,” said Vietnam veteran George Banda, WVV Chapter One member and War Memorial Center Board of Trustees.

Before the ceremony, several of the Vietnam veterans will participate in a live virtual chat with Milwaukee-area middle school students. Classes who pre-register will be sent a lesson plan on the Vietnam War and then get a chance to ask questions of veterans who served. The live chat begins at 9:00 a.m. from Memorial Hall, located inside the War Memorial Center.