Let Them Eat Cake – National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Let them Eat Cake! Honoring Vietnam era Veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Vietnam era veterans and family members gathered at the Veterans History Museum for coffee, cake, and conversation on March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The museum’s meeting room was festooned in red, white, and blue, thanks to the decorating talents of Maggie DiRocco, spouse of U.S. Special Forces Vietnam War veteran Michael DiRocco. Michael was a museum board member and active volunteer until his death in June 2022. “I’d like to help with this party,” his wife said. “It’s a very meaningful day for me.”

March 29, 1973 was the day United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, it marks the day the last of the known 591 POWs left Hanoi. David Grant, who dropped by with his wife Betsy, commented, “Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of the day I flew home from the Hanoi Hilton.”

Honoring Vietnam Veterans

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honors all veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. More than 5,400 veterans serving during this period reside in Transylvania and Henderson counties (12.6% of Transylvania County’s population, and 9.4% of the population of Henderson County).

Veterans History Museum

To honor all those who served during this period, the Veterans History Museum held an open house for Vietnam vets and their families, with coffee from Cup & Saucer and a patriotic sheet cake declaring “Thank you for your Service, Vietnam Veterans” from Ingles.

Vietnam Veterans,
Thank You for Your Service

“This informal get-together was our way of saying thank you to all who served during the Vietnam era,” said museum board member Michel Robertson. “To anyone who did not realize March 29th is a day of recognition for Vietnam era veterans, it’s never too late to say ‘thank you for your service.’”