The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, yesterday placed a wreath at a memorial in Adare Manor, Co Limerick, which honours those who died in Vietnam and the 75 Irish peacekeepers who died in UN service.
The Wall that Heals Tour of Ireland ended in Adare after travelling to Cork, Dublin, Belfast and Galway. Mr Jan C. Scruggs, the organisation's founder and president, said the Vietnam veterans' memorial was renowned for its ability to bring together those who stood on opposing sides during one of the most divisive times in US history.
Mr Ahern said: "We all are in a debt of gratitude to those great heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice," adding that 4,500 people of Irish descent died in Vietnam.
The proprietor of Adare Manor, Mr Tom Kane, a Vietnam veteran, said the event was a celebration and remembrance of "those who went before us".
The ceremony was attended by the US ambassador, Mr Michael O'Sullivan, the Army Chief-of-Staff, Lieut Gen David Stapleton, and the families of soldiers who died in Vietnam.