Vietnam War memorials set for First Coast

Those who served and died in the Vietnam War will be honored at ceremonies this week in Jacksonville and Green Cove Springs.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designates every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

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At 9 a.m. Thursday, one memorial will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, to honor the 58,000 men and women who died in that war. The event on the city’s Northside includes a keynote speech from a Vietnam War veteran.

A 1 p.m. Friday, a commemoration will be held at the Jacksonville Naval Museum pier next to the USS Orleck, a Navy destroyer that fought in the Vietnam War. Retired General Gary Beard is the guest speaker. Admission is $8.86 per person including the ship and museum.

Red, white and blue bunting decorates the Jacksonville Naval Museum’s USS Orleck in advance of its Vietnam veterans event. | Jacksonville Naval Museum

Then at 10 a.m. Saturday, Clay County will honor the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War at the TAPS monument, 915 Walnut St. in Green Cove Springs. The ceremony honors the county’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.