Prairie State Wire

On the fifth annual commemoration of National Vietnam War Veterans' Day, Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) took to social media to honor those veterans.

"National Vietnam War Veterans Day was signed into law by President Trump in 2017, on this day we thank and honor all those who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. I cannot tell you how much I am thankful for our veterans and their families. #VietnamVeteransDay," Bailey said.

Created in 2017, this national day of recognition came into existence when President Donald J. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 into law. It was from then onwards that March 29 became the day to honor veterans of the Vietnam War each year.

The United States' military involvement in the Vietnam War began in February 1961 and lasted until May 1975. During this period, approximately 2.7 million American men and women served in Vietnam. During the war, more than 58,000 servicemen and women lost their lives.

President Joe Biden issued a proclamation on March 28 to honor the day. It read in part: "On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we honor all those who bravely served in the Vietnam War and who sacrificed, as did their families and caregivers, on behalf of our Nation. For almost two decades, Americans raised their right hands and committed to serve and defend our Constitution as uniformed members of the United States Armed Forces during a tumultuous period in our country's history. Throughout the years of the Vietnam War, 9 million Americans earned the title of United States veteran. Today and every day, we honor their bravery and commitment and give thanks to a generation of Americans who valiantly fought in service of the country they love while recognizing the continuing impact on so many veterans of the Vietnam conflict, along with their families, caregivers, and survivors. We will always remember those we lost and honor those who came home."