HILLSDALE—In a solemn gathering on Saturday, March 30, members of American Legion Post 162 and Sons Squadron convened at the Hillsdale Veterans Memorial to pay tribute to the veterans of the Vietnam War. Despite the clash with Good Friday, the significance of the day was not overlooked.
The event was a reflection of the National Vietnam War Veterans Day, established by the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump. March 29 stands as a day dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of the 9 million individuals who served during that tumultuous period in American history.
Commander Doug Frank, Chaplain Ray Matz, and Past Commander Zoltán Horváth led the proceedings, emphasizing the enduring impact of a war that concluded half a century ago. Recalling the historical timeline, they noted the pivotal moment in 1964 when the United States fully engaged in the conflict following the controversial Gulf of Tonkin resolution. Over the ensuing years, Frank emphasized to Pascack Press, the American troop presence swelled to a peak of 543,000 by April 1969, marking a significant commitment to the conflict.
However, as the war progressed, public sentiment soured, eroding faith in the government’s actions and strategies. Amid mounting pressure and domestic unrest, the decision was made to withdraw troops and transition operational responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces. By 1973, all U.S. troops had been withdrawn, though the war’s resolution did not bring about the desired stability. In 1975, South Vietnam fell to Communist forces from the North.
Frank told Pascack Press, “This was not the fault of the American soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen who fought and served there honorably.”
Acknowledging the staggering toll of the conflict, attendees reflected on thae statistics: an estimated 2.7 to 3 million U.S. service members served in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and the surrounding waters. Tragically, over the past five decades, many have been lost, with approximately 58,000 names memorialized on the black granite wall of the Nation’s Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. Additionally, 304,000 individuals were wounded, and 1,253 remain Missing in Action (MIA), their fates still unresolved.
The ceremony concluded with a poignant moment as Horváth read aloud the names of Hillsdale’s young men who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country during the Vietnam War. Frank said it served as a reminder of the profound impact of war on communities across the nation and the enduring legacy of those who answered the call of duty.
Frank said that, as the youngest veterans of the Vietnam era enter their seventies, it becomes increasingly imperative to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten. He said the post’s ceremonies honor the memory of those who served and reaffirm a commitment to never letting their contributions fade from the fabric of American history.
Moreover, the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense, and launched by President Barack Obama in 2012 to thank and honor our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. Obama officially inaugurated this commemoration at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on May 28, 2012. By Presidential proclamation, the Vietnam War Commemoration will continue through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025. Our nation will commemorate this 50th anniversary over a 13-year period.
General Leonard E. Wood Post 162, although located in Hillsdale, is the home post for residents of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, and Old Tappan.
