Recognition and commemoration pin awarded to 26 Club Vietnam-era vets at Post 20 meeting, April 9

Major General Edward J. Chrystal, Jr., director of the United States Vietnam War Commemoration, thanked the 26 Vietnam-era members of the National Press Club's Post 20 for serving their country during that long and divisive conflict at an April 9 meeting.

 The multi-year 50th anniversary of the war that saw nine million Americans serving in uniform from 1955 to 1975 ends on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.  "Vietnam veterans did not receive the homecoming they deserved," Chrystal said,noting the ill treatment many revived after serving.

Chrystal and his team have travelled the country since Congress established the Commemoration in 2012 to help correct that shortcoming, holding thousands of recognition ceremonies with Vietnam veterans and recording their experiences.  He said commemorations will continue every March 29, which was designated Vietnam memorial day in 2017. 

Chrystal presented each attending Post 20 Vietnam veteran with a commemoration lapel pin. Vietnam era vets comprise a third of the Post's members. They include 2014 NPC President Myron Belkind.

Post 20 Vice Commander Kevin Wensing presented the Post and Club a framed photo tribute to legendary newspaper and wire service reporter Joe Galloway,  Galloway, who was a special consultant to the Vietnam War commemoration project, was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden and received a Bronze Star by the U.S. Army for rescuing a wounded soldier in Vietnam.