More than 100 Vietnam War veterans attended the Vietnam War Commemorative Parade March 5 at the Marine Military Academy parade ground. At the parade, the veterans joined the MMA superintendent during ceremonial pass in review. The MMA cannon was also fired in their honor.
Superintendent Col. R. Glenn Hill said the parade was to express gratitude to those veterans who unselfishly served in one of the most controversial wars in U.S. history.
“During the Vietnam War, the public’s dissatisfaction with the war was often reflected in the treatment of the men and women who served there,” Col Hill said. “Fortunately, over time, we have come to recognize that the men and women of our armed services should be honored for their sacrifices.”
On May 25, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed May 28, 2012 – Nov. 11, 2025 to be the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. According to Col Hill, MMA decided to hold the Vietnam War Commemorative Parade the same year the school celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The Vietnam War was a civil war between communist North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam. The war endured nearly 20 years, from Nov. 1, 1955 to April 30, 1975.
In March 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson made the decision to send U.S. combat forces into Vietnam to support South Vietnam. On March 8, 1965, 3,900 U.S. Marines waded ashore China Beach, which marked the beginning of the American ground war. The U.S. stayed involved until March 29, 1975.
Click to see all the event photos.
