The Peru Gazette

New York State is home to approximately 180,000 Vietnam Era Veterans and their families, and the names of 4,119 New Yorkers who died during the war are included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Albany, March 29, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State, and directed 15 landmarks across the state to be illuminated in green, yellow and red the evening of Sunday, March 29 in recognition of the day and to honor the service and sacrifice of the state’s Vietnam veterans and their families. The date marks the solemn anniversary of the withdrawal of the last 2,500 American troops from South Vietnam in 1973.

“Today, New York State landmarks will be lit in green, yellow and red — the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal — to recognize New York’s Vietnam Veterans and to honor those who died while serving their state and nation,” Governor Hochul said. “Many who served in Vietnam did not receive the appreciation and respect they had earned when they returned home. That is why today, and every day, we take the time to honor their courage and thank them for their service.”

These landmarks will be illuminated in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “On Vietnam War Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice and enduring strength of All Who Served during one of the most challenging chapters in our nation’s history. For far too many Vietnam Veterans, the recognition and respect they deserved did not come when they returned home – but today, New York stands united in gratitude and remembrance. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and steadfast commitment to ensuring that All Who Served are seen, honored and supported. As our landmarks shine in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal, may they serve as a visible reminder that their service is never forgotten, and that in New York, we proudly say what should have always been said: Welcome home.”

Full Text of the Proclamation is Available Online