WHEREAS, National Vietnam War Veterans Day is to honor and thank our Nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, this day also aims to highlight the service of the Armed Forces and support organizations during the war, pay tribute to wartime contributions at home by American citizens, highlight technology, science and medical advances made during the war, and recognize contributions by our Allies; and
WHEREAS, about 9.2 million Americans served between November 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975; and
WHEREAS, there are 58,318 names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in our Nation’s capital; and
WHEREAS, at least 304,000 of those who served were wounded during their service; and
WHEREAS, 1,253 of those who served are Missing in Action and have not returned home; and
WHEREAS, there were about 2,500 Prisoners of War during this time; and
WHEREAS, about 2.8 million of those who served were exposed to the poisonous chemical, Agent Orange, with many still affected by this exposure; and
WHEREAS, March 29th was chosen as the date of recognition and thanks because March 29, 1973 was the day Military Assistance Command Vietnam was deactivated;
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 151st General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House concurring therein, that March 29, 2021 is hereby recognized as “National Vietnam War Veterans Day” in the State of Delaware.
