New York Honors Vietnam Veterans with Statewide Landmarks Illumination

Governor Hochul designates March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:20pm

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in the state. To honor the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and their families, 15 landmarks across New York will be illuminated in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal - green, yellow, and red.

Why it matters

New York is home to approximately 180,000 Vietnam Era Veterans and their families, and the names of 4,119 New Yorkers who died during the war are included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This proclamation and landmark illumination is an important recognition of the service and sacrifice of these veterans, many of whom did not receive the appreciation they deserved when they returned home.

The details

Governor Hochul directed 15 landmarks across the state to be illuminated in green, yellow and red the evening of Sunday, March 29 in recognition of the day and to honor the service and sacrifice of the state's Vietnam veterans and their families. The date marks the solemn anniversary of the withdrawal of the last 2,500 American troops from South Vietnam in 1973.

  • March 29, 2026 - Governor Hochul issued the proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State.
  • March 29, 2026 - 15 landmarks across New York will be illuminated in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal to honor the state's Vietnam veterans and their families.

The players

Governor Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York State who issued the proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day.

Viviana M. DeCohen

The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans' Services, who expressed gratitude for Governor Hochul's leadership and commitment to honoring Vietnam veterans.

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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.”

— Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State

“On Vietnam War Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice and enduring strength of All Who Served during one of the most challenging chapters in our nation's history. For far too many Vietnam Veterans, the recognition and respect they deserved did not come when they returned home – but today, New York stands united in gratitude and remembrance.”

— Viviana M. DeCohen, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans' Services

What’s next

The 15 landmarks across New York State will be illuminated in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal on the evening of Sunday, March 29, 2026 to honor the state's Vietnam veterans and their families.

The takeaway

This proclamation and landmark illumination is an important recognition of the service and sacrifice of New York's Vietnam veterans, many of whom did not receive the appreciation they deserved when they returned home. It is a visible reminder that their service is never forgotten, and that New York proudly welcomes them home.