Sánchez, Gallagher to Honor Vietnam War Veterans

Press Release

Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) and Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) introduced a bipartisan resolution today designating the last Saturday of March as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." This resolution provides long overdue recognition to thousands of Vietnam War veterans for their dedicated service to our country. The last Saturday of March, which this year falls on March 27, is intended to recognize the day when the last U.S. combat troops completed their service and left Vietnam.

"Those who risk their lives in uniform for our nation deserve nothing less than a hero's welcome when they return," said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. "Unfortunately, far too many who served in Vietnam never received that welcome, and instead were met with hostility fueled by public debate about the war. This resolution honors the heroes who served in Vietnam the way they should have always been honored. I have introduced this resolution every Congress since I was elected and I am proud to do so again alongside colleagues on both side of the aisle."

"Vietnam veterans did not receive the welcome home they deserved. While our country has come a long way in celebrating the men and women in our armed forces, it's past time to honor the courage and sacrifice those who served in Vietnam," said Congressman Mike Gallagher. "I'm proud to join Rep. Sanchez in this effort to ensure these veterans get the long-overdue recognition they earned for their service to our country."

Upon returning home from Vietnam, many veterans were denied the proper recognition for their service due to ongoing public and political debate. Some veterans were even attacked personally, contributing to already existing physical and emotional injury. This resolution honors the millions of Americans who served their country and were denied a hero's welcome when they returned to the United States.

Congresswoman Sánchez began her work to honor Vietnam veterans in 2003, following a meeting with her constituent Jose Ramos, a Vietnam veteran formerly from Whittier, CA who had worked tirelessly to recognize his fellow veterans. Since then "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" has received broad bipartisan support by the House of Representatives since Congresswoman Sánchez first introduced it in the 108th Congress.

The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Gregory Steube (D-FL), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Tedd Budd (R-NC), Steve Cohen (D-TN), John Carter (R-TX), Scott Peters (D-CA), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Jim Baird (R-NC), Al Lawson (D-FL), Filemon Vela (D-TX), Don Young (R-AK), and Jim Himes (D-CT).

You can read the full resolution here.

Source