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Greenville Business Magazine

Gov. McMaster Declares Vietnam War Veterans Day in South Carolina

Mar 29, 2020 11:24AM ● By David Dykes

Gov. Henry McMaster has proclaimed March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day in South Carolina to honor those fought, sacrificed and died in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia.

“The United States of America is the greatest country in the world because of the strength and sacrifice of men and women like those that we honor on Vietnam War Veterans Day,” McMaster said. “These men and women are the best of us – they answered the call to serve when it was most difficult, and they served us well. These challenging times provide opportunity for reflection, and I ask that you take a moment to reflect on, and appreciate, the honorable service of our Vietnam War Veterans.”

The Vietnam Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designated March 29 as the date each year to recognize those who served in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. 

The U.S. flag should be flown in commemoration of those who served, according to the Military Times. 

More than 58,000 Americans were killed in action during the conflict, including more than 900 South Carolinians inscribed on the Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. 

"I am a son, brother and brother-in-law of Vietnam Veterans,” said S.C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Will Grimsley. “Vietnam Veterans provided my early training and development in my own Army career, and taught me how to lead and succeed in complex, challenging times. Every time I re-deployed from combat, it was Vietnam Veterans there to say ‘welcome home’ because they never wanted anyone to return without proper recognition like they endured.”