Rep. Perlmutter to Commemorate Vietnam-Era Vets

On March 24, 2017, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) is hosting a Vietnam War 50^th Commemoration Ceremony to honor all United States Vietnam-era Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces between November 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975, regardless of location. All Vietnam-era Veterans in Colorado are eligible to receive the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin and participate in the 50th Anniversary Ceremony. This event will coincide with Vietnam Veterans Day which is celebrated annually on March 29.

For the purposes of this Commemoration, November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 is the time period recognized to honor the service and sacrifice of those who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. November 1, 1955 was selected to coincide with the official designation of Military Assistance Advisory Group-Vietnam (MAAG-V). May 15, 1975 marks the end of the battle precipitated by the seizure of the SS Mayaguez. U.S. involvement in Vietnam started slowly with an initial deployment of advisors in the early 1950s, grew incrementally through the early 1960s, and expanded with the deployment of full combat units in July 1965. The last U.S. personnel were evacuated from Vietnam in April 1975.

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that today there are 7 million living Vietnam Veterans and 9 million families of those who served in this time frame. The Commemoration does not distinguish between Veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period.

If you are interested or you know of a veteran who would like to participate in the ceremony, fill out an application form (available at: https://form.jotform.com/70095317447155) by March 1, 2017 to be considered for participation in the event. Lapel pins can also be awarded posthumously.

Interested participants are also required to submit an official DD-214 for review by Congressman Perlmutter’s office. If you do not have a DD-214, visit perlmutter.house.gov/homepage-2016/vietnam-war-50th-commemoration.htm, email kathryn.wirkus@mail.house.gov, or contact Congressman Perlmutter’s office at (303) 274-7944 with any questions.