[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  VETERANS DAY, 1999--HONORING THE SERVICE OF VIETNAM AND VIETNAM-ERA 
                                VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 3, 1999

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, in a little more than a 
week, we will once again observe Veterans Day--the date a grateful 
Nation sets aside to honor the men and women who have served our nation 
as members of its military forces.
  It is particularly poignant that we observe this occasion. First 
designated to commemorate Armistice Day and the restoration of peace, 
Veterans Day today is the occasion on which we appreciate the 
accomplishments and the sacrifices of untold scores of individuals. It 
is a day on which we acknowledge the role these individuals played in 
writing the history of the United States--a history that, in this 
century alone, has evolved from isolation to world leadership.
  Underscoring its importance and the value of the ceremonies we 
observe today is the fact that a smaller percentage of Americans have 
now served in the Armed Forces of the United States that at any time in 
our recent history. This of course, reflects the unprecedented peace 
the United States has enjoyed. But, it also reminds us not to be lulled 
into complacency--into believing that future generations will not be 
called to arms.
  Though we pray in our hearts they won't be called, we know in our 
heads that one day they may.
  Like others before us, my generation was also called to arms. Most of 
us responded, notwithstanding the controversy and turmoil the war 
caused. The images of Vietnam are still vivid in our individual and 
collective memories. But, what's most surprising is the passage of time 
since the war and the fact that next year will mark the 25th 
anniversary of the departure of the last U.S. servicemen from Vietnam--
a departure that closed the Vietnam-era and, for many of us, closed an 
important chapter in our lives.
  Between 1961 and 1975, more than 2,590,000 Americans served in the 
Armed Forces in Vietnam. Untold thousands served in support roles 
elsewhere in Southeast Asia. At the same time, millions more protected 
U.S. national security interests in the other far regions of the world. 
And let us not forget the millions of civilians who also contributed to 
our nation's defense at a time tensions were growing between world 
superpowers.
  Recently, the Commander's Council, the Allied Council, and the 
Administration and staff at the California Veterans Home in Yountville 
suggested to me that our nation celebrate this year's Veterans Day by 
marking the service of those who served in and during the Vietnam-era. 
On the eve of the 25th anniversary of that war's end, such a tribute is 
indeed appropriate and, as such, I would like to read the text of a 
resolution the Yountville Veterans Home residents and staff suggested:

Resolution Encouraging the American People to Commemorate and Recognize 
the Service and Sacrifice of Those Who During the Vietnam Era Served in 
the Armed Forces or in Civilian Capacities in Support of United States 
    Military Operations in Southeast Asia and Elsewhere in the World

       Whereas the United States Armed Forces conducted military 
     operations in Southeast Asia during the period (known as the 
     ``Vietnam era'') from February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975;
       Whereas during the Vietnam era more than 2,590,000 American 
     military personnel served in the Republic of Vietnam or 
     elsewhere in Southeast Asia in support of United States 
     military operations in Vietnam, while millions more provided 
     for the Nation's defense in other parts of the world;
       Whereas during the Vietnam era untold numbers of civilian 
     personnel also served in support of United States operations 
     in Southeast Asia and elsewhere in the world;
       Whereas May 7, 2000, marks the 25th anniversary of the 
     closing of the period known as the Vietnam era;
       Whereas citizens throughout the United States traditionally 
     commemorate the service and sacrifice of the Nation's 
     veterans on November 11th each year, the date designated by 
     law as ``Veterans Day'', and
       Whereas Veterans Day, 1999 would be an appropriate occasion 
     to begin a period for observance of that anniversary and to 
     recognize and appreciate the individuals who served the 
     Nation in Southeast Asia and elsewhere in the world during 
     the Vietnam era: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the American people are encouraged through 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities, to recognize and 
     appreciate the selfless sacrifice of the men and women, both 
     military and civilian, who during the Vietnam era served the 
     Nation in the Republic of Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast 
     Asia or otherwise served in support of United States 
     operations in Vietnam and in support of United States 
     interests throughout the world.

  I commend the resolution to all Americans and thank the individuals 
at the California Veterans Home in Yountville for proposing it as part 
of this year's Veterans Day observance.

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