New York Honors Vietnam Veterans with Proclamation and Landmark Lighting

Governor Hochul designates March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day and orders 15 state landmarks to illuminate in recognition.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:43pm

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day. As part of the proclamation, 15 landmarks across the state, including 1WTC, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, and Grand Central Terminal, will be illuminated in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal - green, yellow, and red - to honor the service and sacrifice of New York's Vietnam War Era veterans and their families.

Why it matters

This proclamation and landmark lighting are important gestures to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of New York's Vietnam veterans, many of whom did not receive the appreciation they deserved when they returned home from the war. The state is home to around 180,000 Vietnam War Era veterans and their families, and 4,119 New Yorkers who died during the conflict are memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The details

Governor Hochul's proclamation designates March 29 as the official Vietnam Veterans Day in New York. The date marks the solemn anniversary of the withdrawal of the last 2,500 American troops from South Vietnam in 1973. As part of the proclamation, the governor has directed 15 prominent landmarks across the state to be illuminated in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal - green, yellow, and red - on Sunday night to honor the service and sacrifice of New York's Vietnam War Era veterans and their families.

  • On March 29, 2026, New York will observe Vietnam Veterans Day.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who issued the proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day and ordered the lighting of 15 state landmarks.

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What they’re saying

“Today, New York State landmarks will be lit in green, yellow and red - the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal - to recognize New York's Vietnam Veterans and to honor those who died while serving their state and nation.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

“Many who served in Vietnam did not receive the appreciation and respect they had earned when they returned home. That is why today, and every day, we take the time to honor their courage and thank them for their service.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

What’s next

On March 29, 2026, the 15 landmarks across New York state will be illuminated in green, yellow, and red to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day.

The takeaway

This proclamation and landmark lighting are meaningful gestures to recognize the service and sacrifice of New York's Vietnam War veterans, many of whom did not receive the appreciation they deserved when they returned home. The state's efforts to honor these veterans and their families are an important way to ensure their contributions are not forgotten.