Governor Jim Pillen and Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) Director John Hilgert honored Vietnam-era veterans at Nebraska’s annual Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony Thursday.
“We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for securing our peace and liberty,” said Gov. Pillen. “As we celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day, I’m especially thankful for those who helped to halt the spread of communism. Thank you to our Vietnam vets—and their families—for sacrificing on behalf of our great nation.”
In addition to the presentation of Vietnam War lapel pins, Governor Pillen signed a proclamation declaring March 29 “Vietnam War Veterans Day” in the state of Nebraska. March 29, 1973, was the day United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished, and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. It is nationally recognized as a day to honor Vietnam War veterans.
“Part of NDVA’s mission is to recognize our state’s veterans and their families and honor their service,” said NDVA Director Hilgert. “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.”
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.
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. Events are being held throughout the state—including at the four state veterans’ homes—to honor and recognize them for their service this week.
NDVA’s mission is to honor Nebraska veterans and their families by providing excellent service, assistance, and care. This includes providing services to help veterans identify and access federal and state benefits. These benefits include disability compensation, pensions, and healthcare available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, assistance through the Nebraska Veterans Aid Fund, tuition waivers, and other state services. To learn more about NDVA’s veteran services or Nebraska state benefits, please visit veterans.nebraska.gov.
