National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a time to honor over 6 million U.S. veterans currently living who served in the conflict, as well as the families of those who passed away.
When Is National Vietnam War Veterans Day? March 29, 2025, marks this day of remembrance. National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2025 coincides with the 50th anniversary of the war’s end.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day this year. A wide range of local events — including ceremonies, picnics, and proclamations — are taking place throughout the country.
While you honor Vietnam veterans, take special time to remember those facing mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos. Many Vietnam war veterans were put in harm’s way since the military relied on asbestos and the risks were hidden for decades.
Learn more about the dangers of mesothelioma in veterans and how to honor them during National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Why Are Vietnam War Veterans In Danger of Mesothelioma?
U.S. veterans could develop mesothelioma 10-50 years after working with asbestos materials during military service.
All branches of the U.S. military relied on asbestos from the 1930s to the early 1980s. The Vietnam War occurred from the mid-1950s to 1975, so many veterans risked exposure to asbestos during this conflict.
Asbestos-containing products were used in:
- Bases: Cement, insulation, wires, paint, and more all could have contained asbestos
- Navy ships: Insulation, paneling, boilers, cables, and many other asbestos products were used on virtually all Navy ships for decades
- Vehicles: Engines, heat shields, and brake pads are examples of asbestos-containing car parts
For much of the Vietnam War, the risks of asbestos were hidden from service members by manufacturers to keep profits high. As a result, many Vietnam veterans are in danger of mesothelioma today.
Get a Free Veterans Packet to learn how we can help you or a U.S. veteran you love access VA benefits and treatments and explore compensation options for mesothelioma.
Walter Twidwell: Vietnam War Veteran Battles Mesothelioma
Walter Twidwell is just one of many Vietnam War-era veterans who bravely faced mesothelioma later in life.
Walter served in the U.S. Navy between 1954 and 1973 as a boiler tender. In 1970, a ship he was serving on stopped dead off the coast of Vietnam due to leaks in the engine and boiler rooms.
He spent three days and nights stopping the leaks so the ship could start back up, receiving a Commendation from the Navy for his efforts. But Walter never knew that working with asbestos in boiler and engine rooms would cause him to get sick.
“I always knew that there was asbestos, but nobody ever said anything about it being dangerous.”
— Walter Twidwell, U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma
Decades after his service, Walter developed recurring pneumonia. After consulting with his doctors, Walter learned he actually had pleural mesothelioma. Walter bravely fought the cancer for over 2 and a half years.
How to Celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day
There are plenty of ways you can celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2025, from participating in festivities to simply spending time with veterans in your life.
Learn how to get involved — and help veterans with mesothelioma — below.
Find a Celebratory Event Near You
Events are taking place across the country to celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2025.
Organizations like Rotary International, Daughters of the American Revolution, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and more will host and participate in events honoring Vietnam veterans.
These events include:
- Ceremonies for Vietnam veterans
- Proclamations
- Picnics and dinners
The official Vietnam War Commemoration website has a map of over 28,000 events by state, allowing you to find one near you.
If you cannot celebrate on March 29th, you may be able to participate in an event later this year. There is an ongoing Vietnam War Commemoration lasting through Veterans Day 2025.
Thank a Veteran In Your Life
Simply saying “thank you” on National Vietnam War Veterans Day can go a long way to helping veterans feel remembered and appreciated for their sacrifice.
Many Vietnam War veterans faced scrutiny and even disdain from protesters when they came home — instead of being heralded as war heroes like those in previous generations.
If a relative served, National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a good time to reach out for a visit. If you don’t live close by, you can call, use a video conferencing app like Zoom, or send them a care package.
Get a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin
Commemorative pins are being awarded as part of National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2025. Any veteran who served on active duty between November 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, qualifies to receive a pin.
Veterans can receive these pins at local ceremonies taking place on National Vietnam War Veterans Day. If a veteran doesn’t live close to a ceremony or can’t attend for health reasons, you can visit the Vietnam War Commemoration website to order a pin on their behalf.
Exploring Resources for Vietnam Veterans With Mesothelioma
If a Vietnam War veteran you love is battling mesothelioma, there is a wide range of resources and organizations that can help make life less stressful.
Resources for veterans with mesothelioma include:
- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: This organization helps veterans and civilians with mesothelioma find treatments, support, financial aid, and more.
- The Mesothelioma Veterans Center: We are the #1 resource for veterans with mesothelioma, helping them get the medical care, VA benefits, and compensation they deserve.
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: The VA considers veterans with mesothelioma to be totally disabled. As a result, these veterans can receive $4,044.91 a month and free-or low-cost health care through their VA benefits.
Get a Free Veterans Packet to explore how we can help you or a veteran with mesothelioma that you love now.
Happy National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2025: Saluting Those Who Served
Veterans of Vietnam made incredible sacrifices, putting their lives and reputations on the line to protect our country and defend its interests.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2025 allows us to honor these veterans and ensure their legacies will never be forgotten.
Many Vietnam veterans continue to face service-related health problems, such as mesothelioma, each year. If you or a Vietnam veteran you love has been diagnosed, our team may be able to help.
Get a Free Veterans Packet or call (877) 450-8973 now to find out if you qualify for VA benefits, treatments, compensation, and other resources after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
