FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Veterans Prepare for Return to Vietnam, Commemorating the Fallen and Advocating for Remembrance.
PALM BEACH, Florida – March 19, 2025 – American veterans are preparing for a poignant journey back to Vietnam, embarking on a mission of remembrance and advocacy for the 58,220 American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. Organized by the Return to Vietnam initiative, the mission aims to honor the fallen, educate a new generation, and foster continued understanding between the United States and Vietnam.
Veterans from various branches of the United States military and spanning different eras of service will embark on a journey to significant historical sites in South Vietnam from March to November. Each itinerary will encompass visits to locations that mirror their experiences during their time in service, including former U.S. military bases. At each destination, veterans will participate in solemn memorial ceremonies, reflecting on the sacrifices made and reaffirming their unwavering commitment to honoring the fallen and ensuring their memory remains cherished.
“These return programs are about more than just revisiting the past,” said James Hackett, a sergeant who served in USMC during two tours to Vietnam. “It’s about honoring the memory of our brothers and sisters, sharing their stories with future generations, and building bridges of understanding with the Vietnamese people.”
Beyond remembrance, the delegation will also engage in advocacy efforts, meeting with local officials and community leaders to discuss opportunities for continued collaboration on initiatives such as:
- Supporting efforts to locate and identify missing American service members.
- Promoting educational programs about the Vietnam War and its impact.
- Facilitating cultural exchange programs between the United States and Vietnam veterans.
- Contributing to humanitarian projects that benefit Vietnamese communities.
“By acknowledging the past, we can construct a more harmonious and prosperous future for both our nations,” asserted Capt. Barry Beck, a former member of the USMC Second Battalion, First Marines, who served in 1965.
These programs represent a significant step in the ongoing process of healing and reconciliation between the United States and Vietnam. By returning to the land where so many Americans fought and died, these veterans are not only honoring the fallen but also working to build a future where peace and understanding prevail.
Each battlefield rehabilitation program will comprise twenty (20) Vietnam veterans who served together in Vietnam, accompanied by a support team of ten wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. A strong support team will provide production, logistics, and medical assistance for their return to Vietnam.
The return schedule for returning veterans groups is as follows:
Block #1: (I-Corps)
- 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (1966)
- 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (1966)
- 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1968)
- Vietnam Combat Nurses (1966)
- Regimental Landing Team (RLT) 27 (1967)
Block #2: (Hanoi & I-Corps)
- French Far East Expeditionary (1954)
- Hanoi Hilton (POW) (1969)
- Combat Correspondents (USMC)
- Australian Regiment (1RAR)
- Vietnam Combat Nurses (1967)
Block #3: (II-Corps)
- Special Forces (Det A-101) (1966)
- Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry (1967)
- 227 Aviation | 1st Cavalry Division (1966)
- 173rd Airborne Brigade (1966)
- 1/7 Cavalry Division (1965)
Block #4: (II-Corps)
- 2/7 Cavalry (Airmobile) Bong Son (1966)
- Combat Flyers (1966)
- Combat Flyers Huey (1967)
- Dracula, 2nd Infantry, 1st Division (1967)
- Australian Regiment (6RAR) (1967)
Block #5: (III-Corps)
- Vietnam Combat Nurses (combined Aust & USA)
- Navy Seals Team #1 (1968)
- MACV/SOG (1964)
- Brown Water Rats | Mekong Delta
- 2/506 101st (Airmobile) (1966)
Block #5: (III-Corps)
- 5th (Mechanized) Infantry, 25th Division (1966)
- 1st Battalion, 69th Armor, 25th Division (1966)
- 2nd Battalion, 503rd IR, 173rd Airborne (1966)
- 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (1966)
- Australian Regiment (6RAR) (1967)
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Return to Vietnam Inc., a veterans organization established in Florida, is sustained by 58 benefactors inside a private forum consisting of seven chapters. These chapters serve as the guardians of the Vietnam generation and the primary advocates for the five initiatives outlined within its platform, which aims to ensure that the legacy of the Vietnam War veterans is never forgotten. Contact:
Jessica Prince, Public Relations Director
Return to Vietnam Inc.
Email: info@returntovietnam.org
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