The Vietnam War was an unpopular war fought during an era of social unrest in America. It was a dark time for our country that many people would rather not remember. But great sacrifices were made by the 2.7 million Americans who served in uniform during the Vietnam War, and their efforts should never be forgotten.
The Vietnam War Commemoration was launched by President Obama in 2012 and authorized by Congress to publicly acknowledge our nation’s gratitude to all Vietnam veterans. The ongoing initiative, administered by the Secretary of Defense, will continue through Veterans Day in 2025, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the war’s end. A Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin is available to all veterans of the war as “a lasting memento of the Nation’s thanks.”
There were 58,220 US soldiers killed and 304,000 wounded during Vietnam War, which spanned 20 years, from 1955 to 1975. The U.S. National Archives (www.archives.gov) states that approximately 75,000 Vietnam veterans were severely disabled. Soldiers returning home from the war, two-thirds of whom had been drafted, faced the scrutiny of an angry nation. Sadly, many were shunned by a disenfranchised public, or worse, unfairly targeted by anti-war protestors.
This produced a generation of soldiers who were scarred not only by the horrific experience of the war, but also by the negative social stigma that surrounded it. As a result, homelessness, mental health issues and suicide rates have been particularly high among this group of veterans, even to this day. Many Vietnam veterans remain reluctant to talk about their experience. Sadly, these veterans never received the recognition they deserved for their selfless service to our country.
As time passed, the consequences of our societal failures came to light. Over the last several years, the U.S. government has made significant strides in its efforts to provide physical and emotional support to all our veterans, including those who served in Vietnam.
The Vietnam War Commemoration produced a lapel pin for presentation to living U.S. veterans who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces between November 1, 1955 through May 15, 1975, regardless of location. Spouses of deceased Vietnam veterans are also eligible to receive the commemoration. It is a symbolic gesture, meant to express the recognition that these soldiers deserved. Although the Commemoration has been going on since 2012, there is a renewed push to distribute lapel pins as the 50th anniversary year approaches and the program winds to an end.
Local Initiative
The Vietnam War Commemoration forms partnerships with federal, state, and local communities, as well as veteran’s and other nongovernmental organizations, to facilitate the initiative. According to its website, “The Commemoration is providing Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins to Commemorative Partners for dignified public presentations to U.S. military veterans, living at home or abroad, who served during the Vietnam War period as a lasting memento of the Nation’s thanks.”
In our region, the Cape Fear Blue Star Mothers of America is one such partner.
Blue Star Mothers are parents of men and women who are actively serving in the military. The organization raises money to provide support for the families of these soldiers. They also volunteer their time with veterans.
Mary Jo Schepf, a board member of the Cape Fear Blue Star Mothers, coordinates the local Commemoration efforts. Her son is an active-duty reservist who has served for 23 years with the United States Air Force. According to Mary Jo, the Blue Star Mothers have distributed approximately 550 commemorative lapel pins to Vietnam veterans since March of 2024, in the area extending from Wilmington to the South Carolina boarder. Their goal is to reach all veterans who served in the war — a daunting task considering Brunswick County is the most heavily populated Vietnam Veteran area in North Carolina
“It is an honor and a privilege, actually, to be able to coordinate this movement and to hand a pin to a veteran,” MaryJo said.
The primary fundraiser for Blue Star Moms is the sale of wreaths through a program called “Wreaths Across America.” The wreaths are placed on the gravestones of veterans in Arlington National Cemetery and cemeteries across the country during the month of December. Wreathes Across America, a non-profit organization, brought a mobile education exhibit to our area in March, 2024, with stints at the Oak Island Elks lodge and VFW post, the Brunswick County Government Center in Bolivia, and the Walmart in Southport. Part of that exhibit was a “Welcome Station” for veterans that provided information about the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin program. Pins were presented to Vietnam veterans on site. MaryJo Schepf witnessed two friends receiving the pin.
“There was an overwhelming emotional response from these vets,” she said.
After learning more about the lapel pin initiative, the Cape Fear Blue Star Moms decided to join the effort, registering to become an official commemorative partner.
The Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin is inscribed with a quote: “A grateful nation thanks and honors You.” It is typically presented in ceremonial fashion, at local meetings or events, and comes with a certificate that explains the pin’s symbolism and a Presidential Proclamation.
Blue Star Moms are actively working with the American Legion and other groups in the area to spread the word about the lapel pins and arrange for presentation ceremonies.
During the week of August 11-17, the Blue Star Moms will have the honor of participating in the City of Southport’s nightly flag lowering ceremony at Waterfront Park on Bay Street. After the ceremony, which happens at 7:30 pm, lapel pins will be presented to all Vietnam veterans in attendance. The Blue Star Moms will also host a lapel pin presentation ceremony at their monthly meetings through the end of the year meetings. There are several other events in the works tied to Veterans Day in November.
If you know a Vietnam veteran who would like to receive a commemorative lapel pin, contact Mary Jo Schnepf at cjsmjs00@gmail.com.
For more information on the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin initiative, visit www.vietnamwar50th.com
