Linda Sánchez Introduces Legislation Honoring Vietnam War Veterans (Mar. 21 2011)
Washington, DC –Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez has introduced legislation (H. Res 184) giving long overdue recognition to thousands of Vietnam War veterans by designating March 30, 2011 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." March 30 is intended to commemorate the day when the last U.S. combat troops completed their service and left Vietnam.
"When our troops returned from Vietnam after honorably serving our country, too many of them never received a proper homecoming," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "Many returning veterans faced hostility, harsh ridicule, and criticism from the American public. We owe it to these veterans to honor them for their dedicated service to our country."
Congresswoman Sánchez, a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, 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, and 111th Congresses.
Local veterans, in cooperation with Congresswoman Sánchez, host a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration event annually in her district. The event helps honor and recognize the many Vietnam veterans who returned to the United States without receiving the formal "thank you" or "welcome home," which returning service members in our nation traditionally receive. This year, the event will take place Sunday, March 27 in Whittier, CA at the California High School Football Field from 11:00am-6:00pm. For more information on this event, please call Congresswoman Sánchez' district office at (562) 860-5050.
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.