New York Landmarks Lit in Vietnam Veterans Day Colors

Governor Hochul proclaims March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day to honor service and sacrifice

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a major New York bridge at night, with the structure bathed in warm, diagonal lighting and deep shadows, conceptually representing the solemn recognition of Vietnam veterans.The illumination of New York landmarks in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal pays tribute to the state's Vietnam veterans and their enduring service and sacrifice.NYC Today

Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State. To honor the state's Vietnam veterans and their families, 15 state landmarks will be illuminated in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal - green, yellow, and red. This date marks the anniversary of the withdrawal of the last 2,500 American troops from South Vietnam in 1973.

Why it matters

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

The details

Governor Hochul has directed 15 state landmarks to be illuminated in green, yellow, and red on the evening of March 29 to represent the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal. These landmarks include 1WTC, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, and the Empire State Plaza.

  • March 29, 2023 marks the anniversary of the withdrawal of the last 2,500 American troops from South Vietnam in 1973.

The players

Governor Kathy Hochul

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

Viviana M. DeCohen

The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans' Services who spoke about honoring the courage and sacrifice of 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

“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, New York State Department of Veterans' Services

What’s next

The landmarks will be illuminated in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal on the evening of March 29, 2023 to honor Vietnam Veterans in New York.

The takeaway

This proclamation and landmark lighting is an important gesture by New York to recognize the service and sacrifice of the state's Vietnam veterans, many of whom did not receive the appreciation they deserved when they returned home from the war.