Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd., honors veterans who have served their country with free coffee and donuts 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, members of the Sun City Agua Fria National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter presented Vietnam War era veterans who attended for the first time with a 50th commemorative lapel pin and pin packet.

The chapter became a commemorative partner with the United States Department of Defense to help honor U.S. military veterans who served during the Vietnam War era between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, regardless of location and branch of service. In 2008, the National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 110-181) gave the Secretary of Defense the power to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This program will continue through Veterans Day 2025. 

Any organization may join the commemoration partners program by visitingVietnamWar50th.com. 

March 29 became the National Vietnam War Veteran Day when 45th U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Day Act into law March 28, 2017. More than 58,000 veterans gave their lives serving their country. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, more than nine million Americans military personnel served during the Vietnam War era and more than 500,000 veterans live in Arizona. U.S. flags will be flown March 29 to honor those who sacrificed and served. Many commemorative events across the Valley are being planned to “welcome home” Vietnam veterans.

Visit the Agua Fria Chapter “Thank You Vietnam Veterans” page at aguafriaarizonadar.weebly.com.