About Us
"Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another."
Vietnam Veterans of America, South Bay, Chapter 53 started in 1983. The Chapter includes cities in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, California, including the cities of Carson, El Segundo, Gardena, Harbor City, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach and Torrance. There is no boundary or limit to membership, these are generally the cities in our Area of Operation. We have members from across the nation who may have moved yet wish to hold their membership in our Chapter. Vietnam Veterans of America is a Congressionally Chartered 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization. We operate under the Constitution of Vietnam Veterans of America, located in Silver Springs, MD. Click here: https://youtu.be/0bIS3vuH1zw to hear about the formation of VVA.
Over the years, the Chapter has been a place where Vietnam Veterans can come together in Camaraderie. The Chapter owns no real estate. Since we began, we have met in American Legion Halls, VFW Posts, City Offices, etc. In spite of this, we have had continuous meetings and made many contributions to our community and to the welfare of Veterans and Active Duty Service Members.
A few of our Chapter accomplishments:
- We have provided Scholarships for High School Seniors for nearly 30 years, having them interview a Vietnam Veteran, preserving the legacy of our Vets.
- Chapter 53 was a main sponsor bringing the Moving Wall to South Bay in the early 90's.
- Circa 1992, members of Chapter 53 were the backbone of the Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial including conception, funding and building.
- In the year 2000, Chapter 53 promoted the legislation and raised the funds to designate California Highway 1 as Los Angeles County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway with 15 current signs.
- In circa, 2000, the Chapter led an effort to restore the National Defense Service Medal for all of our Military Personnel. We were especially aware of the losses of Service Members in training and wanted to assure their families had some recognition of their sacrifices.
- The Chapter led the effort to make it a law for the POW/MIA flag to be displayed at Federal facilities on Federal holidays, including Post Offices.
- Over the years, the Chapter has donated thousands of dollars to worthy military related charities, such as Support for Veterans Service Officers, guide dog programs, care packages for troops, support for junior ROTC programs, homeless veteran programs, memorials, historical projects, etc., all due to our National Household Goods Program.
- The Chapter is often represented by our stellar Color Guard at area events.
- Our monthly meetings provide a place where Vietnam Veterans can meet, enjoy camaraderie, hear a guest speaker and contribute to our community.
With over 90,000 members, VVA provides a community of fellowship with people who share experiences, needs and hopes for the future. Join us for fellowship, volunteer opportunities and community service.
Membership is open to U.S. military veterans who served on active duty (for other than training purposes) in Vietnam between November 1, 1955 and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.
Be as active as your time, talents and interests allow. Or simply be a proud member of VVA, knowing that your membership helps VVA work for you and your fellow Vietnam veterans.