Vietnam Vets Gather in Ammannsville

Five VVA Chapters Unite on Remembrance Day

Last Tuesday was a special day for five groups of area-wide Vietnam Veterans. For the first time, members from five chapters of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) gathered in Ammannsville to celebrate National Vietnam War Veteran’s Day. The original idea began two years ago, but the celebration was delayed because of COVID. The event was hosted by VVA Chapter 870 of Schulenburg.

Five years ago, then-President Donald Trump signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, designating every March 29 the day to honor the service and sacrifices of Vietnam War veterans. That particular day was chosen since March 29, 1973 was the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. During the war, more than 2,700,000 servicemembers were part of the U.S. effort, and over 58,000 lost their lives. Still today, there are more than 1,200 military service members missing in Vietnam.

In addition to Schulenburg, the other VVA chapters who attended traveled from Hallettsville, Columbus, Victoria, and El Campo. Approximately 200 members and spouses attended the afternoon event, where guests enjoyed socializing, a catered meal, bucket raffle, and listened to an enlightening speech from Fayette County Judge Joe Weber, who is also a VVA member and retired Marine Lieutenant General.

A bulletin board was set up for members to add their name, date, military unit, and location of time spent in Vietnam, in an effort to reunite veterans who might have unknowingly served together, or served in the same location. In one instance, members from four different towns learned that they served in the same military unit, but at different times.

All attendees enjoyed the afternoon, and members discussed making this an annual event. Raffle organizers would like to thank McCoy’s Building Supply, Weikel’s Bakery, and Whataburger for their support.