On March 29, 2012 President Barack Obama proclaimed this day as Vietnam War Veterans Day.

And today, March 29th local vets are asking the community to fly American flags to commemorate and honor the service and sacrifice of all Vietnam veterans, alive or fallen.

'We were off the southwest coast of Vietnam, we were doing gun support right up until the very hour of the cease-fire, and then we ceased fire,' says Robin Hickman who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Hickman is Vietnam veteran who lives in Eugene.

Fifty years ago today the last U.S. Combat troops left South Vietnam.

Hickman says he was just 21 years old.

'And now, fifty years later, I'm a not so young man who remembers being there.' 'Take the time just to slow down a little bit. Say a few prayers for those who did not return home, and maybe a few prayers for those of us that did.'

March 29-th will permanently be "Vietnam War Veterans Day." Former President Trump signed that into law in 20-17.