to make annual preparations for winding down 2024, we are also starting to prepare to wind
down the Commemoration next year. As hard as it is to say goodbye, renowned English poet and author Geoffrey Chaucer captured it perfectly when he said … “
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December 31 – last day to join as a Commemorative Partner;
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March 15 – last day to submit a request for event support;
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March 31 – last day we will be providing support for events.
As of April 1, our normal formal event support operations will cease. View our Commemoration Wind-Down for the full update, future communication plans, and our boundless gratitude to you.
The deliberation of endings, though bittersweet,
is full of anticipation of new beginnings and celebrations still to come. Notwithstanding Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years Eve, there also remains
two birthdays yet to celebrate this month. On December 13, we
hail the
National Guard as they turn 388, while on December 20, we honor the
United States Space Force turning five.
Hip, hip, hooray to both our oldest and youngest national forces! Join us in our birthday salutes by watching these video tributes to the
National Guard and the
U.S. Space Force.
Last month, in Issue 13, we introduced Join the Nation …
thank a Vietnam veteran, our brand new Commemoration video. This two-minute piece is a wonderful addition to include in any program now, and in the years ahead. It speaks not only to how we feel about our Vietnam veterans, but also reflects the myriad significant impacts of
your events since we began. Download the video through Vimeo, via the link above or photo at right for continued access.
At this time of year, we are thankful and remain mindful of
all our 
blessings. Since 2012, nearly
4.1 million Vietnam veterans have rightly been thanked and honored as a result of your
amazing efforts. From coast to coast and in between … from large events to small gatherings, and ceremonies honoring those who gave their last full measure of devotion—
to
Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin presentations in schools and senior communities all across America—more than
300 thousand of these patriots and their families have been recognized this year alone ...
so thank you! Stay tuned as we bring you one last SITREP this month, closing out 2024.