Vietnam Veterans Day
Welcome Home Luncheon
Due to great interest in this year’s Vietnam Veterans Day Welcome Home Luncheon, the event has reached capacity and reservations are now closed. We apologize for any inconvenience and we look forward to seeing you soon.
In commemoration of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, veterans and their families are invited to this special afternoon lunch to commemorate their bravery and sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
Join us as we gather to express our gratitude and appreciation for your service. The luncheon will provide a warm and supportive environment for veterans to connect, share stories, and enjoy a meal together.
We are delighted to welcome Maj. Gen. (Ret) Darren L. Werner, who will serve as keynote speaker at this year’s event. Werner is the President of SAPA Transmission and former Commanding General of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM).
We’re pleased to offer an added benefit for veterans attending the luncheon: the Wayne County Veteran Services Mobile Unit will be on hand. Veterans are welcome to stop by to speak one-on-one with staff who can provide guidance and, if needed, help start the process for emergency financial assistance for wartime service members.
The event will also include the participation of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 with the Presentation of the Colors, the playing of Taps, and a Rifle Volley. At the end of the program, a pinning ceremony will be held for any Vietnam Veterans in attendance that would like to be pinned.
In consideration of those observing Lent, the lunch will feature a vegetarian pasta option.
Event Details
11:30am Ballroom Opens for Seating
12:00pm Lunch and Commemoration Ceremony
~1pm Event Concludes
About Maj. Gen. (Ret) Darren L. Werner
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Darren L. Werner is President of SAPA Transmission, where he leads strategy, operations, and growth for a critical defense manufacturing enterprise supporting U.S. and allied military mobility programs. Appointed in 2024, he oversees industrial execution and acquisition alignment while strengthening partnerships with defense primes and government stakeholders. A retired U.S. Army major general with more than 39 years of service, he culminated his military career as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), responsible for the sustainment and modernization of the Army’s ground combat and tactical vehicle fleet. Beyond industry leadership, he has played a leading role in developing the National Security Consortium for Research in Michigan and is a principal contributor to the General Officer and Flag Officer Leadership Conference, an annual event hosted at Central Michigan University. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, one of the U.S. military’s highest honors for exceptionally meritorious service.
About National Vietnam War Veterans Day
March 29 was chosen as National Vietnam War Veterans Day because on March 29, 1973, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam. The last unit was elements of MACV's Infantry Security Force (Special Guard), actually special couriers.
On March 29, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day. The proclamation called "upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War."
On December 26, 2016, the Vietnam Veterans Day Coalition of States Council presented a letter to President Elect Donald Trump and Congressional leadership outlining the history and timeline of cause to establish March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day and requesting that it be one of the first legislations passed and signed into law during the 115 Congress.
On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. This act officially recognizes March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The Act also includes the day among those days on which the United States Flag should especially be displayed.
Veterans Day 2025 marked the official end of the United States of America 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration period.
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