HONOLULU, HI – March 27, 2026 – In a moving tribute ahead of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a commemorative ceremony was held on Friday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

The event brought together Vietnam veterans, their families, veteran service organizations, and community members to pay homage to the service and sacrifice of those who served during the Vietnam War.

The ceremony served as a powerful reminder that the contributions of the 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War era, the 58,000 names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and those who never received the recognition they deserved are not forgotten. The message of the day was clear: "Welcome Home!"

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, nestled in an extinct volcano, provided a solemn and beautiful backdrop for the occasion. This historic site honors American veterans, with specific memorials dedicated to the missing from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

The ceremony was marked by dignity and respect, featuring a joint-service color guard, laying wreaths by the American Legion and many other veterans service organizations and a 21-rifle volley salute by the Marines. The sounding of taps, the final bugle call, offered a poignant tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Among the distinguished attendees were active and retired military leaders, the mayor of Honolulu and prominent members of the veteran service community.

This event underscored the importance of remembering the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of our Vietnam veterans. National Vietnam War Veterans Day is officially observed on March 29.