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In coordination with the Birmingham Vet Center, the Birmingham VA Health Care System (BVAHCS) commemorated National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, 2022, at the Birmingham VA Clinic.

Proclaimed as a military holiday in 2012 and signed into law in 2017, the date of observance stems from March 29, 1973, the day when the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Staff from

both organizations presented Vietnam War Lapel Pins, Presidential Proclamations, and other items to Alabama Vietnam War Veterans. Vietnam War Veterans are members who served either at home

or abroad, thanking them on behalf of a grateful nation, a gesture that many returning home over 50 years ago did not receive. "Many [Vietnam Veterans] I know are not here, so I

appreciate everything the VA is doing today," said James Seale, proudly wearing his U.S. Army Class A uniform. Adorned with his captains' rank and Bronze Star medal (he earned

three), he remarked, "I am grateful, and I must say it was a pleasure to serve." Seale served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1969. It was in 1968, during the Tet Offensive, this

Soldier with the 9th Infantry Division slogged the mud of Vietnam. "When I returned home from the war, I was lucky, I arrived in the middle of the night, but others were not so lucky,

[we all remember the treatment]. It is appreciated what [the VA] is doing today." Although the Birmingham VA honors its Vietnam Veterans daily, with over 21,000 enrolled, Dr. Oladipo

Kukoyi, BVAHCS Executive Director, insists the March 29 commemoration is an opportunity to publicly recognize and thank Alabama's Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service

and sacrifices. "A Vietnam Veteran returning home from the war was encouraged to travel home, not in uniform, but in civilian clothes to avoid being mocked and ridiculed," said

Kukoyi. "While our recognition is not the individual, hometown recognition we envision for our military service members, I want Vietnam Veterans to know they have the highest respect

from us at the Birmingham VA Health Care System. We are grateful to have the Vet Center by our side." The event coincided with a medical appointment for David Bolling, a U.S. Air Force

Veteran who served 1971-1972 at DaNang Air Base in South Vietnam, known to many as the Rocket City because of its frequent rocket attacks. "I usually take advantage of telehealth

options," Bolling said with his wife, Marilyn. "When I received a reminder of my medical appointment, I also received a notification of this event. This presentation is something I

didn't want to miss." Enrolled at the Birmingham VA since 2007, Bolling said, “I am proud to see Vietnam Veterans receiving the appreciation they so much deserve." CLICK HERE

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