Legislation to Honor Vietnam War Veterans Passes the House

Sánchez Resolution declares March 30, 2009 "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day"

Washington, DC - A resolution introduced by Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA) passed the U.S. House of Representatives today that will provide long overdue recognition to thousands of Vietnam War veterans for their dedicated service to our country. H.Res. 234 designates March 30, 2009, as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day."

"With this legislation, we can help provide Vietnam veterans the heroes' welcome they deserve, but that too many never received," said Rep. Linda Sánchez. "While today's resolution may seem like a small gesture-and when compared to what our soldiers and their families sacrificed, it certainly is-it will serve to remind us of their service to our country."

In a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives today, Rep. Sánchez urged her colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. To view Rep. Sánchez' speech visit: www.youtube.com/user/LindaTSanchez.

Rep. Sánchez began her work to honor Vietnam veterans in 2003, following a meeting with her constituent Jose Ramos, a Vietnam veteran 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 after Rep. Sánchez introduced it in the 108th, 109th, and 110th Congresses.

"As an Army Combat Medic in Vietnam, Jose Ramos was victim to the indifferent and often hostile public reaction upon returning home," said Rep. Linda Sánchez. "It was his personal experiences, and those of his fellow GIs, that motivated him to work toward establishing a national day of recognition. His work inspired many, including me, to help give Vietnam veterans their long overdue ‘welcome home.'"

Rep. Linda Sánchez will attend a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Event in her district this weekend to help honor and recognize local Vietnam veterans. This year, the event will take place Sunday, March 29 in Whittier, CA at the California High School Stadium on 9800 Mills Ave, from 11:00am-6:00pm. For more information on this event, please call Congresswoman Linda Sánchez' district office at 562-860-5050.