What does that mean? It means that as a Post, you have committed to hold two functions each year in 2015-17 to recognize, thank and honor our Vietnam Veterans and their families. In return, the Department of De- fense will provide you with a Commemoration flag and seal which can be used in any event you hold. For instance, the Edmonds Cemetery board will be recognizing Vietnam veterans at next Memorial Day’s ceremony. That would be one of the two events required to be conducted.

The flag you will receive, should you decide to become a Commemorative Member, was designed specifically to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam war. To be more specific, the United States of America Vietnam
War Commemoration is the official title given to the Department of Defense program in the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The traditional use of the color gold to signify a 50th Anniversary was chosen for the phrase “50th Anniversary” and symbolizes the specific mission of the Department of Defense program as outlined in the Congressional language “to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.” A representation of the Vietnam Service Medal rests below the
inner rings. The red, white, and blue inner rings represent the flag of the United States of America and recognize all Americans, both military and civilian, who served or contributed to the Vietnam War effort . The outer black ring serves as a reminder of those who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. The black ring surrounds the red, white, and blue rings to call attention to their sacrifices, the sacrifices of their families, and the defense of our nation’s freedom. Within the blue ring are the words “Service, Valor and Sacrifice”; virtues demonstrated by our veterans during the Vietnam War. The gold-rimmed white star located between the words “Service” and “Valor” represents hope for the families of those veterans for which there has not been a full accounting. The blue-rimmed gold star located be-
tween the words “Valor” and “Sacrifice” represents the families of those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the war. The blue star at the bottom of the inner blue ring represents the families of all veterans and symbolizes their support from home. At the bottom of the inner blue ring are six white stars, three on each side of the blue star. These six white stars symbolize the contributions and sacrifices made by the Unit- ed States and its Allies, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, and Thailand. The center circle contains a map of Vietnam in black outline relief, signifying both the country and the Vietnamese veterans who stood with our veterans. The subdued outlines of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and surrounding waters represent the area of operation where U.S. Armed Forces served. The green laurel wreath signifies honor for all who served. The phrase “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You” is the personal message to each veteran, civilian, family member, and all who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. The
seal’s blue background is the same color as the canton in the United States Flag.

Becoming a member is relatively simple. Go to http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/commemorative_partners/
and fill out the appropriate paperwork. To date, Post 2100 and Post 8870 are members.