Governor Abercrombie, Lt. Gen. Kicklighter and MG Wong hold the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Flag. As the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War begins, the Hawaii Department of Defense Office of Veterans Services has formed a 50th State Commemorative Committee with partners in the military, community and industry to plan major events from 2015 to 2017 to pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of these brave men and women. A representation of the Vietnam Service Medal (ribbon) rests below the inner rings. The red, white, and blue inner rings represent the flag of the United States of America and recognize all Americans, both military and civilian, who served or contributed to the Vietnam War effort. The outer black ring serves as a reminder of those who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. The black ring surrounds the red, white, and blue rings to call attention to their sacrifices, the sacrifices of their families, and the defense of our nation’s freedom. Within the blue ring are the words "Service, Valor and Sacrifice"; virtues demonstrated by our veterans during the Vietnam War. The gold-rimmed white star located between the words "Service" and "Valor" represents hope for the families of those veterans for which there has not been a full accounting. The blue-rimmed gold star located between the words "Valor" and "Sacrifice" represents the families of those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the war. The blue star at the bottom of the inner blue ring represents the families of all veterans and symbolizes their support from home
At the bottom of the inner blue ring are six white stars, three on each side of the blue star. These six white stars symbolize the contributions and sacrifices made by the United States and its Allies, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, and Thailand.
The center circle contains a map of Vietnam in black outline relief, signifying both the country and the Vietnamese veterans who stood with our veterans. The subdued outlines of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and surrounding waters represent the area of operation where U.S. Armed Forces served. The green laurel wreath signifies honor for all who served. The phrase "A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You" is the personal message to each veteran, civilian, family member, and all who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. The seal’s blue background is the same color as the canton in the United States Flag. When placed next to the flags of World War II and the Korean War Commemoration Flags, the Vietnam War Commemoration Flag will signify the Vietnam Veterans taking their rightful place among generations of U.S. veterans.