The Black Lions 1st ID Vietnam Living History Group* is a Living History group in the Western New York area that educates the public on the Vietnam War. Over Labor Day weekend, members of The Black Lions organization will be stationed at Buffalo Naval & Military Park’s red Hangar Building. While there, they will be presenting a Vietnam living history event called “Vietnam Welcome Home” – on Saturday, September 2 from 10 AM until 5 PM and Sunday, September 3 from 10 AM until 4 PM.
If you’ve ever had any questions about the Vietnam War, or wanted to meet some of the soldiers who fought in the war, this would be your opportunity to do so. Following are a few stats on US Veterans that engaged in the war. To view more stats visit Vietnam Veterans of America:
- The Vietnam War Era veterans are the largest cohort of veterans in America.
- 3,403,100 (including 514,300 offshore) personnel served in the SE Asia Theater (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, flight crews based in Thailand and sailors in adjacent South China Sea waters).
- 2,594,000 personnel served within the borders of South Vietnam ( I January 1965 – 28 March 1973)
- Today, there are 850,000 living Vietnam War veterans.
- The median age of a Vietnam Vet is 68 to 71 years old.
- The average age of the G.I. in ‘Nam was 19 (26 for WWII).
Guests to the event will learn about the Vietnam War through various activities, demonstrations, and displays of military equipment, weapons, and military vehicles. There will also be educational films, and opportunities for Vietnam Veterans to speak. This event is free to the public and is a great opportunity to learn about the Vietnam War and to help support the Naval Park at Canalside.
Source: BUFFALO