Linda Sánchez Honors Vietnam War Veterans (Mar. 27, 2013)
Washington, DC –Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) has introduced legislation (H. Res 138) which would give overdue recognition to thousands of Vietnam War veterans by designating March 30, 2013 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." March 30 is intended to commemorate the day when the last United States combat troops completed their service and left Vietnam. This year marks 40 years since U. S. Armed Forces completed the withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam.
"As a nation, we owe the thousands of Vietnam veterans the proper homecoming they earned after honorably serving our country," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "Too many troops returned home to hostility and harsh ridicule from the American public—never getting so much as a simple ‘thank you and welcome home.' We are 40 years overdue in honoring these brave men and women. It is time we made this right and recognized these veterans for dedicating themselves to our country. "
Congresswoman Sánchez has introduced this resolution every Congress since she was elected in 2002. "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" has received broad bipartisan support by the House of Representatives after Congresswoman Sánchez introduced it in the 108th, 109th, 110th, 111th, and 112th Congresses.
Congresswoman Sánchez work to honor Vietnam veterans began in 2003, following a meeting with constituent Jose Ramos, a Vietnam veteran from Whittier, CA, who has worked tirelessly to recognize his fellow veterans.
"Among the proud people that call America their home, there is a small group that voluntarily rise and take an oath which promises to protect, honor and serve all who live within Her borders," said José Ramos, founder of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. "This small group is called veterans. They live and many times die, fulfilling that oath. Upon their return home, it then becomes our turn to fulfill our end of this oath. We must now protect, honor and serve those who served us."
###