(Washington, D.C.) – Vietnam Veterans of America salutes Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kans.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), chairman and member of the Senate Committee for Veterans Affairs, for introducing on the Senate floor today a resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War,” said Tom Burke, VVA National President.
“This resolution is far more than symbolic — it is a reaffirmation of America’s conscience,” said Burke “Fifty years after the guns fell silent, Vietnam veterans continue to serve our country through example, leadership, and sacrifice. We are grateful to Senators Moran and Duckworth for honoring this legacy, for also recognizing the 10,000 women who served, and for recommitting our nation to the fullest possible accounting of our missing in action. The Vietnam generation built the foundation for every veteran organization and reform that came after. This resolution tells every Vietnam veteran — your service mattered, your sacrifice endures, and your nation remembers.”
From 1955 to 1975, more than 10,000,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces fought to support the cause of freedom in South Vietnam. During the war, 58,281 U.S. servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice and more than 300,000 were wounded. An additional 1,545 servicemembers are still missing and unaccounted for.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and we must never forget the sacrifices of the brave men and women of our military who served our nation and defended freedom around the world,” noted Moran. “It is our duty to continue honoring their service and make certain they receive the care, respect and recognition they have earned. It is also a time to remember those who did not return home and make certain their legacy is never forgotten. By introducing this resolution, we reaffirm our nation’s commitment to continue honoring those who served in Vietnam.”
“Senator Moran has long been an ally of Vietnam veterans, and we are grateful for his unwavering support of our priorities, from suicide prevention to full POW/MIA accounting and toxic exposure reform,” said Burke. This robust resolution serves to remind people of the price of freedom, the ongoing, human cost of war, and the need to continue honoring and supporting our nation’s veterans.”
