Audra Campbell

December 17, 2015

Vietnam War Commemoration Blog Entry 1

           At The United States of America Department of Defense Vietnam War Commemoration I have been privileged to help in several areas of their mission. There are numerous goals of the Commemoration, but the primary goal is to thank and honor Vietnam War Veterans for their service, sacrifice, and valor for the United States of America. With the history of how the Vietnam Veterans were treated poorly upon their return to the USA and how there was not enough support for them during and after the war both by the US government and the Civilian population, the government has sanctioned the Commemoration in an effort to try to right this wrong and ensure that these veterans and their families are shown the respect and honor that they deserve. The idea that veterans are never to be treated like that again is strong at the Commemoration, and the effort to make sure that these events are never repeated for other veterans is a primary motivation. This is a really great project for me since my Dad was enlisted during the Vietnam War. Although he did not serve in combat, the Commemoration still honors him as well as all service men and women for their service. The project that I am involved in during this internship is helping them with gathering partners for the Commemoration. Partners must be organizations that have at least two events a year that honor veterans. It is free to become a partner and is open to military and civilian organizations. My primary function in the Commemoration has been to help them vet (review) these applications. This involves me researching to verify that the organization applying to be a partner is indeed a real organization and then helping them through the application process by making follow up calls and emails. These partners are supplied with flags, fliers, posters, bumper stickers, certificates, pins, etc. so that they can better honor veterans. I also help make the partner starter kits, the information folders, and assemble the certificate and lapel pins packets. The incredible care and detail that each member of the team puts into every aspect of what they do so that everything is perfect for the veterans is inspiring to be around. A powerful and eloquent statement to summarize their goals and motto for veterans is, “A grateful Nation thanks you.” It is important to the Commemoration that these deeds and these veterans never be forgotten for their acts of sacrifice and valor.