Pottawattamie County to Observe Vietnam War Veterans Day

Posted March 24, 2026
Posted by Veterans Service Office and Public Relations

Pottawattamie County will join communities across the country in recognizing National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, honoring those who served during the Vietnam War.

Between 1955 and 1975, millions of Americans answered the call to serve, including many individuals from Iowa and Pottawattamie County. More than three million Americans served in the conflict, and more than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives.

For many Vietnam veterans, returning home was not always met with the recognition and gratitude they had earned. National Vietnam War Veterans Day was formally established by the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, designating March 29 each year as a day to honor these veterans and commemorate the date in 1973 when the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam.

In 2026, the observance holds special significance for the community as Pottawattamie County prepares to host The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The traveling exhibit provides an opportunity to remember those who were lost, honor those who served, and reflect on the lasting impact of the Vietnam War.

The exhibit will bring a powerful educational and remembrance experience to the region, allowing veterans, families, students, and community members to connect with the history and legacy of those whose names are memorialized on the wall.

The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors encourages residents to take time on March 29 to recognize and thank Vietnam War veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Additional information about The Wall That Heals in Pottawattamie County can be found at https://pottia.gov/TWTH