MILWAUKEE — Friday marked 51 years since the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam.

In honor of National Vietnam Veterans Day, the Milwaukee VA hosted a wreath-laying ceremony at Wood National Cemetery.

What You Need To Know

  • Approximately 165,400 people from Wisconsin served during the Vietnam War era (1959-1973)

  • In honor of National Vietnam Veterans Day, the Milwaukee VA hosted a wreath-laying ceremony at Wood National Cemetery on Friday

  • It marked 51 years since the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam

  • According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Vietnam Veterans Day is a way to say thank you and honor the approximately 7 million living Vietnam veterans, and the 10 million families of those who served during the Vietnam War period

Milwaukee native George Banda served in Vietnam as an Army combat medic. He earned a Silver Star medal for his service and bravery.

“It’s a special day for us Vietnam vets, so that’s why I’m here,” he said.

 While he made it home from Vietnam, many of his friends and fellow service members didn’t. That’s why he has been coming to Wood National Cemetery every year.

“Unfortunately, a lot of my buddies did not return, so I come Memorial Day and Vietnam Veterans Day,” he said. “Anytime I can come visit the graves and sites here, I do.”

Because of opposition to America’s involvement in Vietnam, Banda said most Vietnam veterans never got a hero’s welcome when they returned home. He said that makes him sad because they sacrificed a lot and endured trauma while serving there.

“A lot of people tend to forget that these young men did their duty to their country,” said Banda. “When they came back, it wasn’t such a welcome homecoming for them.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Vietnam Veterans Day is a way to say thank you and honor the approximately 7 million living Vietnam veterans, and the 10 million families of those who served during the Vietnam War period.

“It commemorates the veterans who served, and also serves to remember the families left behind,” said David Walter, a public affairs specialist with the Milwaukee VA.  

Banda said the day is important to make sure the U.S. never forgets.

“We recognize the things that Vietnam veterans did when they were in service in Vietnam,” Banda said. “Many died and shed blood for this country, so we definitely have to keep that in mind and remember that.”

According to the Milwaukee VA, approximately 165,400 people from Wisconsin served during the Vietnam War era (1959-1973). Of the 72 total counties in Wisconsin, 71 of them recorded at least one service member's death from the Vietnam War.

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