Sánchez, Gallagher honor Vietnam War veterans

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) and Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) introduced a bipartisan resolution 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 falls on March 25 this year, marks the day when the last U.S. combat troops completed their service and left Vietnam. 

“Our servicemembers sacrifice so much to keep us safe. They deserve nothing less than a hero’s welcome when they return home,” said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez.  “Sadly, many Vietnam veterans were met with hostility instead of appreciation for their service. Establishing a national ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day’ would help right that historic wrong and finally give our Vietnam veterans the recognition they deserve. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution today, just as I have done every Congress since I was elected.” 

“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 Sergeant Jose Ramos, a Purple Heart recipient formerly from Whittier, CA. Like his fellow Vietnam veterans, Jose Ramos returned home from an unpopular war only to face hostility and resentment. He became a powerful advocate for veterans in California and across the country. It was his personal experiences, and those of his fellow GIs, that motivated him to work toward establishing “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” 

After his passing in 2017, Congresswoman Sánchez introduced legislation to rename the Whittier post office in his honor. The bill was signed into law by the President on December 13, 2019. Congresswoman Sánchez formally dedicated the Jose G. Ramos Post Office on April 20, 2022, alongside local veterans and members of the Ramos family. 

In addition to Reps. Sánchez and Gallagher, the resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (D-GA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Scott Peters (D-CA), and Jim Himes (D-CT). 

You can read the full resolution here. 

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