Governor Haslam and Commissioner Grinder Continue Tradition to Recognize Vietnam Veterans

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder today announced March 29, 2015 as Vietnam Veterans Day to recognize the courage, service and sacrifice of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War.

On March 30, 1973, President Richard Nixon began withdrawing combat troops from Vietnam.  Between 1961 and 1975, more than 49,000 Tennesseans served in Southeast Asia.  Approximately 6,000 Tennessee troops were wounded in the Vietnam War and 1,295 Tennessee service members were killed.  There are currently 27 Tennesseans missing in action (MIA) in connection with the Vietnam War. 

In 2008, Tennessee became the first state to proclaim a Vietnam Veterans Day.

“The people of Tennessee stand humbled and indebted to our service members who bravely served and sadly sacrificed so much,” Grinder said.  “We remember and recognize their courage today and always.”

The State of Tennessee is a Commemorative Partner with the United States Department of Defense to formally recognize Vietnam Veterans leading up to the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of troops which will be in 2023.

Grinder will present the Governor’s Vietnam Veterans Day Proclamation to President of the Tennessee State Council Vietnam Veterans of America, Barry Rice on Friday, March 27 at an event in Knoxville.  On Sunday, March 29, Grinder will present the proclamation to Rolling Thunder and Vietnam Veterans of America at a Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran event at World’s Fair Park in Knoxville at 1:30 p.m. (EDT).