Washington D.C – The U.S. Senate on March 8 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. For Senator Burr’s remarks on the
introduction of the resolution, click here
<http://www.veterans.senate.gov/rankingmember/ranking-press-releases.cfm
?action=release.display&release_id=5406b369-9d62-4ce8-9b33-217abc5ed373>
.
        
        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.