Friends, family, service members, and more than 50 Vietnam Veterans gathered at the Army Reserve’s 81st Readiness Division headquarters in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

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The significance of March 29 is that it marked when the United States Military Assistance Command Vietnam was disestablished, and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam in 1973. The 81st Readiness Division held the recognition ceremony in conjunction with their March battle assembly to allow the unit’s Soldiers to show support to their honored guests.

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One of the greatest gifts that the Vietnam Veterans have given today’s service members; our Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Sailors; in addition to our freedom, of course, is the fact that we receive a hero’s welcome wherever we go,” Harter said. “Our Vietnam Veterans did not let the Nation forget how they were treated when they came home and they said ‘never again, not on my watch.”

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Dave Loftin, Vietnam Veteran, and former Army aviator attended the event and said he was delighted to participate with his friends. “I am extremely grateful for this commemoration event and the recognition of the sacrifice and service of Vietnam veterans. It means a lot to us. I hope more of my fellow Vietnam veterans will attend future events to come together and honor our shared experiences,” he said.

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