U.S. Marine Corps Veterans salute during the 5th Marines Vietnam War Memorial unveiling ceremony in the Camp San Mateo Memorial Garden at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Marine Corps/Rhita Daniel)

By Jim Absher

For the second year in a row, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) will honor Vietnam veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29.

In partnership with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, AAFES will give away a free Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin to everyone who served on active duty during the period from Nov. 1, 1955 through May 15, 1975. Along with the pin giveaway, many exchanges will be conducting ceremonies with local organizations.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the DOD to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Commemoration was authorized by an act of Congress and launched by the President in 2012.

For more information on the times of the March 29 ceremonies at local exchanges, visit shopmyexchange.com/community. Those without base access should contact their local exchange or the installation's visitor center for information on gaining access to a ceremony.

If you can't get to the exchange for a lapel pin March 29, you can visit http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/events/ to find an event or commemorative partner in your local area.

If there are no events in your area, or you can't make it to any local events you can still get a pin by contacting the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration office directly at 877-387-9951 or whs.vnwar50th@mail.mil.