The annual Memorial Day observance held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. included a proclamation to begin the national commemoration of the Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary. President Obama and other dignitaries made remarks. The ceremony, co-hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and the National Park Service, included wreath-layings by patriotic organizations, presentation and retirement of the colors, and music by the U.S. Marine Band and Army Chorus. The invocation included a message from the Reverend Billy Graham. The presidential proclamation was read by Medal of Honor recipient Brian Thacker. Tom Selleck was the master of ceremony.
This ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War and the start of 13 years of commemoration of those who served in that war.