This week, Governor Jim Pillen honored Vietnam-era veterans at Nebraska’s annual Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony.
Joined by Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) Director John Hilgert, Gov. Pillen presented Vietnam War lapel pins to Nebraska vets, and signed a proclamation declaring March 29th “Vietnam War Veterans Day” in the state of Nebraska.
On March 29, 1973, the last United States combat troops left South Vietnam, ending America’s direct military involvement in the Vietnam War. Nebraska is currently home to around 35,000 Vietnam-era veterans according to data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics.
“We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for securing our peace and liberty,” said Gov. Pillen.
Nearly 200 people attended the ceremony, including Vietnam veterans as well as family members and friends. The Plattsmouth High School Air Force JROTC color guard presented the colors at the event. The NDVA State Service Office outreach team was on site to help answer veterans’ questions about benefits and services, filing appeals, and more.
“Today was about thanking Nebraska’s Vietnam-era veterans, and it also provided us with an opportunity to talk to them about benefits and services, educate them on the myriad ways we can support them, and ensure they’re receiving the benefits they’ve earned, especially with recent changes through the PACT Act. We want to say ‘thank you’ in as many ways as we can,” said NDVA Director Hilgert.
To learn more about NDVA’s veteran services or Nebraska state benefits, please visit veterans.nebraska.gov.
Governor Pillen (left) signing a proclamation declaring March 29 “Vietnam War Veterans Day” in the state of Nebraska with Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert (right). Courtesy: Office of Governor Jim Pillen.
