National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2026 & Mesothelioma Risks Posted on March 24, 2026March 24, 2026 by Christopher Dryfoos 4 Min Read National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a time to honor over 6 million U.S. veterans still living who served in this conflict, as well as the families of those who passed away. When Is National Vietnam War Veterans Day? Sunday, March 29, 2026, marks the day of remembrance, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day this year. A wide range of local events, including ceremonies, picnics, and proclamations, are taking place throughout the country. While honoring Vietnam veterans, take special time to remember those facing mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos. Many Vietnam war veterans were put in harm’s way since the military relied on asbestos-containing materials, and the risks were hidden for decades. Why Are Vietnam War Veterans In Danger of Mesothelioma? U.S. veterans could develop mesothelioma 10-50 years after working with asbestos materials during military service. All branches of the U.S. military relied on asbestos from the 1930s to the early 1980s. The Vietnam War ran from the mid-1950s to 1975, so many veterans risked exposure to asbestos throughout this conflict. Asbestos-containing products were used in: Army bases: Cement, insulation, wires, paint, and more all could have contained asbestos Navy ships: Insulation, paneling, boilers, cables, and many other asbestos products were used on virtually all Navy ships for decades Vehicles: Engines, heat shields, and brake pads are examples of asbestos-containing car parts Service members serving during Vietnam didn't know that asbestos was dangerous, because manufacturers of products hid the health risks. As a result, many Vietnam veterans are in danger of mesothelioma today. Get a Free Veterans Packet to learn how we can help you or a U.S. veteran you love access VA benefits and treatments and explore compensation options for mesothelioma. Get a Free Veterans PacketGet information on: Top Treatments Best Doctors Improving Prognosis Get a Free Veterans Packet Walter Twidwell: Vietnam War Veteran Battles Mesothelioma Walter Twidwell is just one of many Vietnam War-era veterans who bravely faced mesothelioma later in life. He served in the U.S. Navy between 1954 and 1973 as a boiler tender. In 1970, a ship he was serving on stopped dead off the coast of Vietnam due to leaks in the engine and boiler rooms. He spent three days and nights stopping the leaks so the ship could start back up, receiving a Commendation from the Navy for his efforts. But Walter never knew that working with asbestos in boiler and engine rooms throughout his service would cause him to get sick. “I always knew that there was asbestos, but nobody ever said anything about it being dangerous.” — Walter Twidwell, U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma Decades after his service, Walter developed recurring pneumonia. After consulting with his doctors, Walter learned he actually had pleural mesothelioma. Walter bravely fought the cancer for over 2 and a half years, living much longer than expected. How to Celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day There are plenty of ways you can celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2026, from participating in festivities to simply spending time with veterans in your life. Learn how to get involved, and help veterans with mesothelioma, below. Find a Celebratory Event Near You Events are taking place across the country to celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2026. Organizations like Vietnam Veterans of America, Daughters of the American Revolution, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and more will host and participate in events honoring Vietnam veterans. These events include: Ceremonies for Vietnam veterans Proclamations Picnics and dinners Notably, the VA and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) will be hosting events throughout the day on March 29 in Washington, D.C., including a ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (also known as "the Wall"), a parade, and a concert. You can browse a full list of events by state on the Vietnam Veterans of America website. Thank a Veteran In Your Life Simply saying “thank you” on National Vietnam War Veterans Day can go a long way to helping veterans feel remembered and appreciated for their sacrifice. Many Vietnam War veterans faced scrutiny and even disdain from protesters when they came home, instead of being heralded as war heroes like those in previous generations. If a relative served, National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a good time to reach out for a visit. If you don’t live close by, you can call, use a video conferencing app like Zoom, or send them a care package. Exploring Resources for Vietnam Veterans With Mesothelioma If a Vietnam War veteran you love is battling mesothelioma, there is a wide range of resources and organizations that can help make life less stressful. Resources for veterans with mesothelioma include: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: The VA considers veterans with mesothelioma to be totally disabled. As a result, these veterans can receive $4,158.17 a month and free-or low-cost health care through their VA benefits. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: This organization helps veterans and civilians with mesothelioma find treatments, support, financial aid, and more. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center: We are the #1 resource for veterans with mesothelioma, helping them get the medical care, VA benefits, and compensation they deserve. Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret) leads the charge to support fellow U.S. veterans facing mesothelioma. “I want to make sure that U.S. veterans have the opportunity to get the benefits that they need now, and to make sure that their families are provided for in the future." — Major Jonathan Nelson, VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran Get a Free Veterans Packet to explore how we can help you or a veteran with mesothelioma that you love now. Get a Free Veterans PacketGet information on: Top Treatments Best Doctors Improving Prognosis Get a Free Veterans Packet Happy National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2026: Saluting Those Who Served Veterans of Vietnam made incredible sacrifices, putting their lives and reputations on the line to protect our country and defend its interests. National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2026 allows us to honor these veterans and ensure their legacies will never be forgotten. Many Vietnam veterans continue to face service-related health problems such as mesothelioma each year. If you or a Vietnam veteran you love has been diagnosed, our team may be able to help. Get a Free Veterans Packet or call (877) 450-8973 now to find out if you qualify for VA benefits, treatments, compensation, and other resources after a mesothelioma diagnosis.