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Military
Officers Association of America
March 30: Welcome
Home Vietnam Veterans Day
Mar 17 2011
The U.S. Senate yesterday declared March 30th as “Welcome Home Vietnam
Veterans Day,” agreeing unanimously to a resolution introduced by
Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee
on Veterans’ Affairs.
On March 30, 1973, all U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam under the
terms of the Treaty of Paris. This March 30th, the Senate has
encouraged Americans across the country to recognize Vietnam veterans
for their sacrifice and demonstrate a warm welcome to these soldiers
who returned from war to a politically divided country.
“I’m pleased that the Senate has agreed to set aside a day to give our
Vietnam veterans a warm, long-overdue welcome home. I strongly
encourage communities throughout North Carolina and across the country
to observe this day with activities and events that honor these
veterans for their service. It’s time they receive the recognition they
have earned and deserve. This day also provides our nation with an
important teaching moment. Never again should our men and women serving
in the armed forces receive the same treatment as those returning from
Vietnam,” said Senator Richard Burr.
Senator Burr introduced the resolution for the second consecutive year
on February 16, 2011. Read Senator Burr’s remarks on the introduction of
the resolution.
The United States became involved in Vietnam because policy-makers
believed that if South Vietnam fell to a communist government,
communism would spread throughout the rest of Southeast Asia. The US
Armed Forces began serving in an advisory role to the South Vietnamese
in 1961, and in 1965, ground combat troops were sent into Vietnam. On
March 30, 1973, after many years of combat, all US troops withdrew.
More than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their
lives and more than 300,000 were wounded in Vietnam.
Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Thad Cochran (R-MS), James Inhofe (R-OK),
and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) co-sponsored the
legislation. The resolution now moves to the House of Representatives
for consideration.
Read it at MOAA
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