FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MEDIA ADVISORY

CAMP SHELBY, Miss. - The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 110-181 § 598) empowers the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program on behalf of the nation that commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. By Presidential proclamation, the Vietnam Veteran Commemoration extends from Memorial Day 2012 through Veterans Day 2025.

Mississippi has a long history of serving the country when called and the war in Vietnam was no different. An estimated 227,000 Mississippians answered the call to serve in Vietnam, 12 who are still Missing in Action, and 636 who were mourned as they returned home with the American flag draped over their caskets.

This year's event will be at the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, Camp Shelby, April 12, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Ceremony will include the Traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall, a wreath laying ceremony, and a pinning ceremony. Lunch will be served for Vietnam Veterans and their families inside the museum immediately following the ceremony.

The Mississippi National Guard Soldiers and Airmen continue to serve with honor and integrity in diverse missions throughout our state and nation. Thank you for your continued support of the Mississippi National Guard. We are Always Ready, Always There.

MEDIA CREDENTIALING:

Media representatives are invited to attend and must coordinate attendance by submitting FULL NAME, AFFILIATE, EMAIL, and PHONE NUMBER to the Mississippi National Guard Director of Public Affairs, Lt. Col. Deidre D. Smith at 601-919-5668 and by email at ng.ms.msarng.list.public-affairs@army.mil. Confirmed media must arrive at Camp Shelby's South Gate no later than 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2023, to receive media escort.

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