The 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and Service Academy Reception

In Accordance With Public Law 110-181 SEC.598; the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct programs to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

The commemorative program will include activities and ceremonies to achieve the following objectives:

• To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW), or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
• To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
• To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
• To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
• To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

Service Academy Reception

Each year, Congressman Johnson holds a reception in the district to announce the names of the students who have been nominated to attend a U.S. Service Academy - Military Academy (West Point), Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.

All members of Congress may nominate up to 10 candidates per opening. Those who graduate from a Service Academy will receive a Bachelor of Science degree, be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, and honorably serve in the military for a minimum of five years.