In the interrogative phrase provided, the key term "Vietnam War Veterans Day" functions as a proper noun phrase, which is the subject of the inquiry. National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually in the United States on March 29. This specific date was selected to commemorate March 29, 1973, the day the last U.S. combat troops departed from South Vietnam and the day the last American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil.
The formal establishment of this observance occurred with the passage of the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. Signed into law on March 28, 2017, this federal legislation permanently designates March 29 of each year as the day for Americans to recognize and honor veterans of the Vietnam War. While a presidential proclamation had encouraged its observance since 2012, the 2017 act codified it as a recurring, national commemoration, distinct from other military holidays like Memorial Day or Veterans Day.
The primary purpose of this day is to thank and honor the nine million American veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War period, which is officially defined from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. The observance offers a formal opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifice of these individuals, particularly in light of the social and political climate that often prevented them from receiving a proper welcome upon their return home. It is a day for acknowledging their contributions and the sacrifices of their families.
