On March 30, 2019, the John Greenleaf Whittier chapter participated in the first “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” celebration at the Whittier Historical Museum. March 30, 1973, was the day the last combat support troops withdrew from Vietnam and Jose Ramos was instrumental in establishing a day of recognition and support for Vietnam veterans.

In 1998, Jose Ramos had participated in a 16-day, 1,250 mile bicycle trek in Vietnam. From that experience he decided to organize a bicycle ride across the United States to promote support for the recognition of Vietnam veterans.

In 2002, Whittier, Ramos’ home town, became the first city in America to proclaim a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day”.    Ramos was present when a bill was signed into law designating the day in 2009.

The John Greenleaf Whittier chapter was honored to have Ramos speak at a meeting in 2017. On Saturday, March 30, 2019,  several of our members welcomed veterans and visitors to our booth to hear about DAR and our mission and listening to their stories.

Photo:  Shiryl Boerlin and Martha Schieve