Robert N. Austin, Post 1279

Today, March 29, is National Vietnam War Veterans Day honoring the men and women who served and sacrificed during the longest conflict in United States history. On March 29, 1973, combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam. Generations later, Veterans of this time period are gaining the respect that was not so freely given upon their return. Involving five U.S. presidents, crossing nearly two decades and 500,000 U.S.military personnel, it left an indelible ma...rk on the American psyche. Returning veterans did not always receive respectful welcomes upon their arrival on American soil. Over 58,000 killed, never to return. The observance recognizes the military service of these men and women who answered the call to serve their country when she needed them. They didn’t make the decision to go to war. Throughout National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we recognize the service and duty rendered by all servicemen and women of this era. You can help honor a Vietnam Veteran by: Buying them a drink or lunch. Visit a local memorial. Volunteer to help organize events. Support a veteran’s organization in your community. Volunteer and offer your skills. Watch a Vietnam War documentary. Some films we found are The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick or Last Days in Vietnam directed by Rory Kennedy or Vietnam Nurses by Timeline. Read about the Vietnam War. We recommend: Vietnam A History by Stanley Karnow or They Marched into Sunlight: War and Peace, Vietnam and America, October 1967 by David Maraniss or The Quiet American by Graham Green and Robert Stone.

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Past Commanders and Presidents dinner.

We would like to thank all of our members who have continued to support us during these very difficult times over the past year. We look forward to seeing members who have not been able or willing to come out this past year as we continue to slowly increase our events and happenings.

Darts, Shuffleboard and the Pool Table have all been opened up for everyone to enjoy. Stop in to play a game, have a drink, and say hi to everyone. Don’t forget to continue to social distance and sanitize the games and equipment before and after use. Thank you for helping to keep our employees and members safe during these crazy times.