Special open house at Virgnia War Memorial honors Vietnam War Veterans Day

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A special open house is keeping the memories of Virginia's Vietnam War veterans alive as the Virginia War Memorial continues to honor their service and sacrifice for the ninth year.

The Virginia War Memorial held the annual Vietnam War veterans' open house on Friday to commemorate those who served during this chapter of American history. The ceremony was in honor of the National Vietnam War Veterans Day, observed on March 29 each year.

The commemoration featured historical memorabilia, interviews with Vietnam veterans, a traveling exhibit and other educational materials. Operations director Ben King at the Virginia War Memorial said the ceremony helped tell the stories of veterans who served and those still missing in action.

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"Making sure the Vietnam era recognizes and understands their contributions are being remembered, stories being shared, their services being appreciated and ultimately, we are welcoming them home again," King said.

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

The event also held an open mic for veterans who'd like to come forward and share their experiences. Organizers then read aloud the names of Virginia's missing-in-action vets so their memories "remain alive in our heart," King said.

Attendees had the opportunity to see the Virginia at War series of documentary films in the Reynolds Theatre through continuous showings. The memorial also hosted tours of the Shrine of Memory-20th Century, where names of servicemembers killed during the Vietnam War are engraved on panels.

Vietnam veterans who served between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, also received special 50th anniversary lapel pins at the commemoration. Organizers said veterans in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to receive the pins created by the Vietnam War Commemoration Commission.

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

(Paul Nevadomski/8News)

The "simple yet powerful" ceremony showcased the legacy of veterans' service, King said.

"The Vietnam era was an era where they had to be as loud as thunder to get people to recognize the deeds and the sacrifices they were making on our behalf," he said. "It was a challenging time in our nation's history, so what we try to do is we try to make it relevant today, [showcasing] the fact that we get it, we pay attention, we're here, we see you, we welcome you and we honor you."