March 29 marks National Vietnam War Veterans Day, commemorating the service and sacrifice of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who bravely fought during one of America’s longest wars.
Signed into law by President Trump in 2017, this day serves as part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome home more than 45 years ago.
On March 29, 1973, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam. The remaining prisoners of war held in North Vietnam also arrived in America.
To honor the date, President Nixon chose March 29, 1974 as the first National Vietnam Veterans Day.
Decades later, the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act was signed, designating March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day — something we at Sokolove Law are proud to honor.
Vietnam War and Mesothelioma from Asbestos
Sadly, what many veterans may not realize is that they could have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer. Veterans account for around 33% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Throughout the 20th century and during the Vietnam War, asbestos was widely used by the U.S. military in various applications like naval ships, aircraft, barracks, and vehicles:
- U.S. Navy veterans as well as U.S. Coast Guard veterans faced significant exposure risks, as asbestos was heavily used in shipbuilding for insulation, piping, boilers, and engine rooms.
- Those who served on U.S. Navy vessels or in shipyards were at high risk of inhaling asbestos fibers.
- U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps personnel could have encountered asbestos in different vehicle parts, military bases, housing, and construction materials.
- Aircraft mechanics and U.S. Air Force veterans may have been exposed through brake pads, engine components, and insulation.
Many service members were unaware of the dangers of asbestos. Decades later, many Vietnam veterans have developed asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis due to their military service.
Veterans who were exposed may qualify for VA benefits and legal compensation to help cover medical expenses and other damages.
As a mesothelioma law firm, Sokolove Law is proud to stand for veterans affected by asbestos exposure and their families. In fact, 42% of all Sokolove Law mesothelioma clients are U.S. veterans.
"Veterans have a right to hold responsible the companies that produced and sold asbestos-containing materials to the military. Filing an asbestos legal claim does not impact VA benefits."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law
How to Participate in National Vietnam War Veterans Day
There are many ways to celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day and show appreciation for those who served. Whether participating in person or online, you can take part in the day’s events in a way that is meaningful to you.
Here are some ways to honor Vietnam veterans:
- Attend a local event: Many communities hold parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and veteran appreciation gatherings.
- Visit a Vietnam War memorial: Pay your respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., or at a local memorial. The VA also provides schedules for traveling Vietnam memorial walls.
- Thank a Vietnam veteran: Reach out to a veteran in your life with a call, message, or letter of appreciation.
- Follow VA tributes on social media: The VA will release videos and messages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Request a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin: Veterans who served between November 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975 can receive a free lapel pin as a symbol of gratitude.
- Donate to veteran organizations: Groups like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, VFW, and American Legion provide support and resources for veterans.
- Share a tribute online: Post a message of appreciation or a story about a Vietnam veteran on social media.
Whether you choose to participate in a formal event or take a personal moment to recognize a veteran, your support helps ensure their service is honored and remembered.
Sokolove Law Stands with Our Veterans
For more than 45 years, Sokolove Law has been helping veterans with mesothelioma gain access to justice and pursue financial compensation.
As a national law firm, we're able to help veterans and their families in all 50 states file asbestos lawsuits against the companies responsible for their exposure. This isn't the government or military, but the companies that knew the dangers of asbestos and used it in their products anyway.
Our mesothelioma attorneys are grateful for the service of the nearly 2.7 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War.
Our office — and our country — is proud to commemorate these brave men and women on this day.
Contact Sokolove Law now to find out more about your potential legal options. It costs nothing to speak with us.
