Hawai‘i House to Observe First National Vietnam War Veterans Day

The State House of Representatives will observe the first National Vietnam War Veterans Day by honoring veterans from each branch of the United States armed forces during a floor presentation.

The event will be held at noon on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at the State Capitol House Chamber.

Honorees include:

Colonel Gene Castagnetti, U.S. Marine Corps
Chief Warrant Officer Steve J. Avilla, U.S. Coast Guard
Staff Sergeant Robert Kent, U.S. Army
Command Chief Master Sergeant Stan Fernandez, U.S. Air Force
Hospitalman Second Class Michael “Doc” Steinhilber, U.S. Navy
Corporal René Berthiaume, U.S. Marine Corps
Chief Master Sergeant Carswell “Caz” Ross, Jr., Hawaii Air National Guard

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a U.S. holiday which will henceforth be observed annually on March 29. It recognizes veterans who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. On March 28, 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. This act officially recognizes March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

On March 29, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day. The proclamation called “upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.”

Rep. Matt S. LoPresti (ʻEwa, ʻEwa Beach, Ewa Gentry, Ewa Villages, Hoakalei, Ocean Pointe), organized the event as chair of the House Committee on Veterans, Military & International Affairs & Culture and the Arts.