The public is invited to join VFW Post 2221, American Legion Post 14, and the Jacques Laramie Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution as we raise the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative Flag at the Albany County Courthouse, Laramie, on Saturday March 29 at 9 am.

In 2017, March 29 was established as the National Vietnam War Veterans Day. This national day recognizes the unsung patriotism of our Vietnam veterans. March 29, 1973, was the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam and was the day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.

The number of veterans who served during long Vietnam War period is estimated to be 9 million. This number reflects the men and women who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1964 to 1975 and includes veterans who served in-country (approximately 2.7 million), or who were stationed in-theater or elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. More than 58,000 lost their lives. More than 1,500 are still listed as MIA. This year, we also observe the 50th anniversary of the day the last Americans were airlifted out of Saigon on April 30, 1075. The last two men killed in action were both US Marine embassy guards, killed in a rocket attack one day before the fall of Saigon. For more information, email pksmorgan@msn.com.