HR 115 (LSB 5472HH (2) 84)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 115

BY  HORBACH

A Resolution to recognize March 30, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day.

   WHEREAS, the Vietnam Conflict was fought in Vietnam from 1961 to 1975; and
   WHEREAS, United States Armed Forces members began serving in an advisory role to the South Vietnamese in 1961 because it was believed that if South Vietnam fell to a Communist government then Communism would spread throughout the rest of Southeast Asia; and
   WHEREAS, in 1965, United States Armed Forces ground combat units arrived in Vietnam, and by the end of that year there were 80,000 United States troops in Vietnam, peaking with approximately 543,000 troops in 1969; and
   WHEREAS, on January 27, 1973, the Treaty of Paris was signed, requiring the release of all United States prisoners of war held in North Vietnam and the withdrawal of all United States Armed Forces from South Vietnam; and
   WHEREAS, the withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Vietnam was completed on March 30, 1973; and
   WHEREAS, America’s military involvement in Vietnam became unpopular, so that the men and women who survived, along with the more than 58,000 brave men and women who fought and died, were caught in a crossfire of public debate and denied the proper respect and gratitude they deserved for serving our country; and
   WHEREAS, these noble veterans endured harsh conditions and inhumane treatment and should be remembered for their selfless service, having fulfilled their duty with the highest degree of valor and giving of themselves in the name of freedom and for the rights of all Americans; and
   WHEREAS, their sacrifice has been integral to preserving our cherished way of life; and
   WHEREAS, it is fitting that we extend our admiration and heartfelt gratitude to those servicemen and servicewomen who served on the battlefields of Vietnam and returned safely, to those who returned home scarred of body and mind, and to those who were killed or are still missing; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representative recognizes March 30, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day and urges all Iowans to take time on that date to honor those members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam.