National Vietnam War Veterans Day – 29 March 2021

In 2017 President Donald Trump signed into law the VIETNAM WAR VETERANS RECOGNITION ACT to establish the “National Vietnam War Veterans Day,” which will be celebrated on Monday, 29 March 2021.

Reprinted with the permission of the author, Don Bumgarner, C/1/3, 1967-68.

“Again, on March 29, 2021, the United States will be Honoring ALL of us Vietnam Veterans. With being 53 years since I rotated Home from Nam (March 1968), time does go by fast.  As you remember back when we came home to the States, we were not accepted well by some in the public.  Me personally, though I worked with other Marines, we did not talk much about our experiences in Vietnam.  Most of us moved on with our lives.  Most that I can tell have had successful lives.  I think we are all a little bubble off, but that is okay.  Many went to work for the Post Office and some went into Law Enforcement.  Maybe we were used to wearing uniforms. Since about 2002, when I found out about (the) 1st Bn, 3rd Marines web site, my life has been better.  I have connected with many Marines and Corpsmen that I grew up with.  Yes, I was a kid, but the Marines made me the man I am today.  If not for the Marines, I might have (gotten) drafted into the Army or been a farm boy in Missouri.  Looking back, yes, we shared some (tough) times, and most probably shed some blood, but we grew to be a great Marine Battalion and participated in all the major Battles in Vietnam that happened during each of our tours.  Great friendships were made, and today we cherish those friendships. I am honored that the Nation, does put this day aside to Honor Us.  We deserve it, so thank you my brothers, as we celebrate OUR DAY together, across this great Nation. Take a moment to remember our Fallen Brothers and say a prayer for them.  Enjoy Your Day!”

Semper Fidelis,
Don Bumgarner C/1/3 67-68 (2-year Marine-L/CPL- hit the promotion wrong-what can I say-100% Marine)

NOTE: I spoke with Mr. Bumgarner on 16 October 2020 concerning this and many other topics concerning Marines, his unit and the 3rd Marine Division Association.  He is the Vice President of the 3rd Marine Division Association and looking for ways for it to be more inclusive of those unit associations having been a part of the 3rd Marine Division.  He suggests holding annual reunions in conjunction with those the 3rd Marine Division Association in order to get better prices and deals.  I told him how we had been conducting our reunions and that he was welcome to take a look at the material on our web site concerning how to hold a reunion.  It may be necessary or wise at some point, however, to join forces for reunions, so I offer this for future consideration.