Vietnam War – 50th anniversary

It’s been 50 years since the Vietnam War, and Congress authorized and the Defense Department sponsored a nationwide 50th commemoration to “thank and honor our Vietnam veterans and their families, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the Nation.”

In D.C. this past weekend, there were ceremonies, historic exhibits, service organizations for veterans, and military performances, with more than 90 organizations participating.

One of the most moving exhibits was the display of photos by the reflecting pool of those missing in action:

©Victoria Pickering

Veterans and their family members and current service members saw many commemorative and historic exhibits:

©Victoria Pickering
©Victoria Pickering

The Army Drill Team performed at sunset:

©Victoria Pickering

The Army’s Golden Knights performed precision parachute jumps:

Parachuting near the Lincoln Memorial ©Victoria Pickering

The Wall

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial has the names engraved of the 58,318 Americans who died in service. It was constructed in 1982 and since then has been continuously visited by veterans and their loved ones.

©Angela N.
National Park Service cleaning the wall ©Angela N.
©Miki Jourdan
©Rob Klug
©Rob Klug
©Rob Klug
©Miki Jourdan
©Angela N.
©Rob Klug
©Rob Klug
©Miki Jourdan
©Angela N.
Vietnam Women’s Memorial ©Angela N.
©Miki Jourdan

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *