On March 29, 2025, communities across the United States came together to honor Vietnam veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, marking 52 years since the last U.S. combat troops departed from Vietnam. Various ceremonies and events were held to recognize the sacrifices made by nearly nine million Americans who served during one of the most tumultuous periods in U.S. history.
In Brevard County, Florida, Van Grubb spoke at the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32 event held at the Eau Gallie Civic Center. This event was particularly poignant, as it took place just ahead of National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Grubb recounted the story of his father, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Wilmer Newell "Newk" Grubb, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. Van’s mother, Evelyn Grubb, played a crucial role in the creation of the iconic POW/MIA flag, a symbol of remembrance for those missing in action.
Lt. Col. Grubb’s plane was shot down on January 26, 1966, by antiaircraft artillery. Twenty days later, his image appeared on the front page of newspapers, showcasing the treatment of prisoners. However, it wasn't until 1974 that the family learned he had died just nine days after his capture. Van Grubb shared, "They taught him to fly the most advanced aircraft at the time and that’s all he wanted to do." This tragic legacy of loss and heroism has shaped the Grubb family’s commitment to honoring veterans.
Evelyn Grubb’s journey into advocacy began after she faced bureaucratic challenges while trying to secure her husband’s benefits. According to Van, one significant moment occurred when she was asked by a congressman, "What have you done to deserve his pay?" This encounter galvanized her efforts to support families of POWs and MIAs. In 1968, she was invited by Sybil Stockdale to join an organization advocating for families of those missing in Southeast Asia, which eventually led to her becoming the national coordinator of the National League of Families in 1971.
Van Grubb emphasized the importance of his mother’s work, stating, "She did not want the women who formed the League of Families to be forgotten." Evelyn's contributions were recognized by former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who called her "one of the bravest women that he had ever had the pleasure of meeting." Although Evelyn passed away in 2005 before her book was published, her legacy continues through her family's dedication to honoring veterans.
In a remarkable twist, a former North Vietnamese soldier, Du Pham Duc, traveled from Vietnam to pay tribute to Lt. Col. Grubb. Duc, who was part of the unit that shot down Grubb’s plane, expressed a desire to meet the Grubb family, saying, "He was the only man that we captured." This unexpected connection led Van and his family to Vietnam, where they confronted their past and sought closure.
During their visit, Van felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude rather than anger, reflecting his mother’s teachings about forgiveness. "You had to give up the anger. My mom said anger will destroy you from the inside," he shared. This powerful message resonated with many attendees at the event, highlighting the themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and reconciliation.
Meanwhile, in Brainerd, Minnesota, the Crow Wing County Board held a meeting on March 25, 2025, to recognize Vietnam veterans. Erik Flowers, the county veteran services officer, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made by veterans who returned to a divided nation. He stated, "Today, as a county and as a nation, we hope to correct that. We stand together and say what should have been said long ago — welcome home." This sentiment echoed throughout various ceremonies across the country.
Flowers highlighted the staggering numbers associated with the Vietnam War: approximately nine million U.S. military personnel served, and 58,281 names are etched into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He noted that many veterans continue to fight a second battle against service-related injuries and mental health issues stemming from their experiences in Vietnam.
In South Carolina, special events were planned in Mount Pleasant and Beaufort County to honor Vietnam veterans. The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum offered free admission to all Vietnam veterans and their families, while a ceremony at Beaufort National Cemetery featured a wreath-laying by the sister of Medal of Honor recipient Ralph Johnson, who died in combat.
Additionally, in Augusta, Maine, the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services hosted an annual ceremony to honor Vietnam veterans, with Governor Janet Mills expressing gratitude for their service. Mills stated, "When you returned, many of you did not receive the recognition you deserved. Today in this historic hall, we are here to say loud and clear we see you, we honor you, we appreciate you and we thank you." This message was part of a broader effort to ensure that the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans are remembered and honored.
In Turlock, California, local events also aimed to recognize Vietnam veterans. The Turlock American Legion Post organized a public event where veterans were presented with lapel pins as a token of appreciation. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law in 2017, officially designates March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, marking the day when the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam.
As communities across the nation gathered to pay tribute to Vietnam veterans, the collective message was clear: the sacrifices made by these brave men and women will never be forgotten. From heartfelt speeches to personal stories of loss and forgiveness, the events of March 29 served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of the Vietnam War on American society.
On this day, as veterans were honored and remembered, the commitment to ensuring that their stories are told and their sacrifices acknowledged continued to resonate throughout the country.
