Gary Sinise Honors Vietnam Veterans in DC for National Veterans Day

Jim Taylor, 88, traveled to Washington to mark National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, 2026. He recently returned from a two-week trip to Vietnam with nine fellow veterans. They visited the country for the first time since the war ended.

Return to Vietnam

The group began their journey near Ho Chi Minh City. They moved north and later reached Hanoi. Veterans United Home Loans organized the trip and is producing a documentary about the veterans’ return.

Taylor visited the battlefield west of Que Son. He stood above rice paddies and mountains where a ten-hour fight took place. He reflected on comrades who did not survive.

Taylor recalled Capt. John Barovetto; Staff Sgt. David Wainscott; Spc. Thomas Lee Scott; Pfc. Jerry Wayne Gentry; and Pfc. Robert Nitz. Their names appear on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. The memorial lists more than 58,000 Americans killed or missing in action.

Military Service and Honors

Taylor joined the Army from San Francisco in 1956. He spent his first ten years as an enlisted soldier and rose to staff sergeant. He later became a commissioned officer and retired as a major in 1980.

By Nov. 8, 1967, Taylor served as a first lieutenant in Troop B. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 1st Armored Cavalry Regiment, Americal Division in Vietnam. For actions in a November 1967 battle, he was promoted to captain and honored in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson.

Washington Commemoration

Veterans United is hosting a large celebration on the National Mall during cherry blossom season. The afternoon will include a ceremonial welcome walk and a concert on the Mall.

The program will feature Gary Sinise Honors Vietnam Veterans in DC for National Veterans Day with The Lt. Dan Band. Actor and comedian Rob Riggle will serve as master of ceremonies. Country singer and Army reservist Craig Morgan will also perform.

Sinise and his band have performed more than 600 free concerts since 2003 for service members, veterans, and first responders. This will be their first performance tied to National Vietnam War Veterans Day in Washington.

How Veterans and the Public Can Observe

Taylor urged visitors to stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He encouraged people to read names and offer silent prayers for the fallen and their families. He asked that gratitude be shown to all veterans.

Day Designation and Historical Context

President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in 2012. Congress later approved the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. President Donald J. Trump signed the law designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

March 29, 1973 marks the disestablishment of the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. That date also signaled the return of the last American combat troops.

Filmogaz.com covered the veterans’ trip and the upcoming events in Washington. The celebration aims to welcome Vietnam veterans and honor their service.