The United States became involved in Vietnam because it was believed that if South Vietnam fell to a communist government, communism would spread throughout the rest of Southeast Asia, also known as the “Domino Effect”. 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 combat 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.
Vietnam Veterans are unique as the only group of combat veterans in the history of this great country who returned home to be reviled, vilified and abused rather than honored and appreciated. They are one of the most unjustly-maligned groups in American history. Many returning veterans were not treated fairly upon their return from the war. Some were spat upon, called “baby-killers” and accused of being druggies in many instances including job searches and interviews.
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There was no real welcome home for these returning warriors until 2011 when the U.S. Senate declared March 30th as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day”. It was a unanimous resolution. North Carolina Republican Sen. Richard Burr, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced the resolution. March 30 marks the anniversary of the day that combat and combat-support units withdrew completely from South Vietnam.
Burr stated that unlike other war veterans, those coming home from Vietnam were not greeted with gratitude. Instead, many were scapegoated for the unpopular war. “Our soldiers served honorably and bravely in Vietnam,” Burr said. “Unfortunately, they arrived home to a country in political turmoil, and never received the recognition they deserve. By setting March 30 aside as a day to focus on our Vietnam veterans, we can show our unified gratitude for their service and the sacrifices that these veterans made on our behalf.”
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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.
On March 30, 1973, all U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. On March 30th, from this day forward, the Senate encourages Americans across the country to recognize Vietnam veterans for their sacrifice and demonstrate a warm welcome to these soldiers who returned from war to what was, at the time, politically divided country.
“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.
Recognized as a day of commemoration, reflection and respect to Veterans who sacrificed so much during the Vietnam War. This year, Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day will be observed on March 29th. If you cross the path of a Vietnam Veteran n that day, or in fact anytime, please take the time to acknowledge him or her with a “Welcome Home” greeting. It will be appreciated.
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