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2010 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 136
Designating March 30, in 2010 and in each succeeding year, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Virginia to celebrate the service and numerous contributions of the Commonwealth's Vietnam-era veterans.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 25, 2010
Agreed to by the Senate, March 2, 2010

 

WHEREAS, more than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces, including 1,304 from the Commonwealth of Virginia, lost their lives in Vietnam and more than 300,000 members of the Armed Forces were wounded; and

WHEREAS, in 1982 the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in the District of Columbia to commemorate the lives and service of the men and women who died or were declared missing-in-action in the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, the Vietnam War was an extremely divisive issue among the people of the United States, and the crossfire of debate about the country’s involvement in the war deprived many members of the Armed Forces of  public support and appreciation of their patriotic service; and

WHEREAS, civil discourse in the political affairs of the United States should be encouraged, but it is never too late to say “I am sorry” and “thank you” to our Vietnam veterans; and

WHEREAS, there are over 262,000 Vietnam veterans in the Commonwealth, and they have contributed greatly to business, art, medicine, science, technology, and government service, including elected office; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day is an appropriate way to express appreciation and honor the members of the United States Armed Forces, as well as members of the Red Cross and other service organizations, who bravely served the country and their fellow citizens during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, on March 30, 2009, Congress proclaimed a national Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day and encouraged the people of the United States to observe this day with ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the numerous contributions of veterans who served in Vietnam and the importance of helping all of America’s veterans return home and achieve happy, healthy, and productive lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate March 30, in 2010 and in each succeeding year, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Virginia to celebrate the service and numerous contributions of the Commonwealth’s Vietnam-era veterans; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Vietnam Veterans of America Virginia State Council in honor of veterans and their families; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the designation of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day shall be posted on the General Assembly’s website.