On this National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we have the opportunity to not only pause and reflect, but to honor and remember the more than 3.4 million military personnel who served in the Republic of South Vietnam or elsewhere in southeast Asia in support of the U.S. military operations in Vietnam. We must also pause and reflect on the more than 58,000 men and women who gave so much; paying the ultimate sacrifice for freedom’s sake.
It has been more than 60 years since members of our armed forces fought on behalf of the South Vietnamese people. Today, it is because of the brave and selfless actions of our Vietnam veterans that the flame of freedom burns brighter today throughout the world. The tradition of service demonstrated by those who served during the Vietnam War provides lasting testimony to the indomitable and tenacious spirit that resides in the hearts of our Vietnam veterans.
Vietnam veterans are everyday people made extraordinary by events beyond their control. They did their duty not out of bravado or boldness, but out of a sense of duty, and because they had a deep and abiding love for their country. Quite simply, they believed in the promise of the American dream and the essential goodness of America.
Vietnam veterans fought to preserve democracy and freedom, not just here in America, but for all freedom-loving people around the world. The freedom and prosperity we enjoy today is in large part guaranteed by all of those who served so honorably in Vietnam. We, as Americans, are forever thankful to all of them for their unselfish devotion and for their courageous willingness to put their lives at risk.
Our Vietnam veterans performed the highest form of public service. We must all be forever thankful to all of them for their unselfish devotion and for their courageous willingness to put their life at risk.
We honor them because we appreciate what they have given us. Without their contributions the world would be a much different place; a darker place. When it all came down to it, they stood strong, and when it was needed, they answered the challenge.
The VFW has always been at the forefront in the fight for Vietnam veterans. The battle has been waged on several fronts, ranging from support for GIs during the war, to passage of service-connected legislation, contributions to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, our continuing efforts to resolve the fate of the war’s missing in action, and the passage of the PACT Act which was the largest expansion of toxic exposure benefits coverage this century.
Through it all, the VFW was there to bear the standard. Beginning with the GI Bill of Rights for Vietnam-era veterans, passed in June 1966, we advocated for benefits on par with those granted to previous veterans.
There were also problems unique to Vietnam, both chemical and psychological. The use of toxic chemicals like Agent Orange resulted in a 15-year fight for presumptive compensation. Still today, our Vietnam veterans continue to suffer from unrealized effects of that toxic exposure; and we continue to stand up for them through legislation like the PACT Act to ensure they, and all the veterans that have come since, receive the care they deserve.
And while they continue to fight the physical long-term effects of war, they also continue to battle an invisible foe. Post-traumatic stress disorder produced a need for veteran centers which finally became a reality in 1979. Renewed and innovative employment programs were called for, and an extension of veterans’ preference was launched.
In 1965, the VFW started a nationwide movement to “Support the Boys in Vietnam.” As veterans ourselves, we understood how important it was to forge a link with the troops through sending tons of relief parcels. During the course of the war, nine VFW Commanders-in-Chief visited fighting men in the field.
Nearly every year since, VFW National leadership has visited Vietnam as part of a Southeast Asia trip. We make this trip each year to measure the progress being made in support of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s recovery efforts to bring home the nearly 1,600 Americans still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.
Though long overdue, today America recognizes each and every Vietnam veteran who did not receive the proper welcome home they earned and deserved. It is well-past time for the nation to give our Vietnam veterans their due and to thank them for their noble efforts and achievements. Vietnam veterans are worthy of every praise, monument, and memorial we could offer.
The best way to honor them is to ensure that every new generation of veterans is appreciated and receives the dignity, respect, and welcome home they have earned. Making sure every veteran receives the benefits and entitlements they deserve is one way of maintaining a link to the thousands of men and women who helped secure so many blessings for us.
As we recognize National Vietnam War Veterans Day, may we remember that this is a day to reach out and touch those from whom we have asked so much. It is a day to be thankful that such people stepped forward when needed, because without them, we wouldn’t be here today.
Thank you for your service, and welcome home.