The National Vietnam War Veterans Day commemoration will be held at noon on Friday, March 29 at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport.

The commemoration recognizes National Vietnam Veterans Day, an official U.S. holiday that recognizes veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War. Naval Base Kitsap Commanding Officer Capt. Alan Schrader will read the presidential proclamation commemorating the war. All Vietnam veterans in attendance will be recognized, according to the Naval Undersea Museum.

Following the veteran recognition, historian John Sherwood of the Naval History & Heritage Command and the author of “War in the Shallows: U.S. Navy Coastal and Riverine Warfare in Vietnam, 1965-1968,” will provide a summary of the Navy’s operations and activities during the Vietnam War.

Sherwood will also discuss the operations of the Navy’s three in-shore task forces from 1965-1968, focusing on themes of basing, technology, tactics, command and control. Throughout the talk, Sherwood will pay respects to the sailors who served on the rivers and coasts of Vietnam. A reception and book signing with Sherwood will follow in the museum’s lobby.

Vietnam veteran Norman Johnson will follow Sherwood with a talk about his participation in the war as a Green Beret in Laos up to 1962. His talk will include insight into the “Operation White Star” mission, in which he played a role during the war.

Veterans who served on active duty in the armed forces at any time during the period of Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, are invited to attend and be recognized. RSVP by emailing NUM-Operations@navy.mil or calling 360-396-5548.

The event is open to the public.

Tyler Shuey is a reporter for Kitsap News Group. He can be reached at tshuey@soundpublishing.com