AGENT ORANGE AWARENESS DAY | AUGUST 10
On August 10th each year, Agent Orange Awareness Day provides information regarding the effects of Agent Orange. It also serves as a reminder of the lasting damage a single decision can cause.
#AgentOrangeAwarenessDay
In the early 1960s, Americans used the herbicide in Vietnam to clear thick foliage from battlegrounds to eliminate the enemy’s protective ground cover.
Those exposed to the chemical suffer a wide range of negative medical effects including:
- AL amyloidosis
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type II
- Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Prostate Cancer
- Respiratory Cancer
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma
The use of Agent Orange impacted U.S. troops and the Vietnamese troops and civilians. It cost hundreds of thousands of lives and continues to impact survivors today.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a registry to help veterans and their families receive treatment. Those with suspected exposure can receive an exam free of charge from Veterans Affairs.
HOW TO OBSERVE AGENT ORANGE AWARENESS DAY
The observance encourages us to support those who’ve been impacted by the use of Agent Orange and to also learn from its use. There are several ways to participate in the day:
- Learn more about the effects of Agent Orange.
- Visit a Vietnam Memorial.
- Attend a memorial ceremony.
- Light a candle in honor of those who have died as a result of Agent Orange.
- Support a military or veterans organization.
Share your stories using #AgentOrangeAwarenessDay on social media.
AGENT ORANGE AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
Over 50 years ago, Agent Orange was first used in Vietnam. The date is thought to be August 10, 1961. In 1988, Agent Orange Awareness Day began as a way to reach Vietnam veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange. The campaign informed the country through newspaper and radio messages, encouraging veterans to seek assistance through VA programs. Since then, military and veteran organizations have continued to promote the observance.
