[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 44 (Monday, April 10, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H1970-H1973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES AND FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES WHO
SERVED NATION DURING VIETNAM ERA AND FAMILIES OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO
LOST THEIR LIVES OR REMAIN UNACCOUNTED FOR OR WERE INJURED DURING THAT
ERA
Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 228) honoring the members of
the Armed Forces and Federal civilian employees who served the Nation
during the Vietnam era and the families of those individuals who lost
their lives or remain unaccounted for or were injured during that era
in Southeast Asia or elsewhere in the world in defense of United States
national security interests.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 228
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 3,403,000 American
military personnel served in the Republic of Vietnam and
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 of the United States Government 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; and
Whereas that date would be an appropriate occasion to
recognize and express appreciation for the individuals who
served the Nation in Southeast Asia and elsewhere in the
world during the Vietnam era: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress--
(1) honors the service and sacrifice of the members of the
Armed Forces and Federal civilian employees 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 national security interests throughout the world;
(2) recognizes and honors the sacrifice of the families of
those individuals referred to in paragraph (1) who lost their
lives or remain unaccounted for or were injured during that
era, in Southeast Asia or elsewhere in the world, in defense
of United States national security interests; and
(3) encourages the American people, through appropriate
ceremonies and activities, to recognize the service and
sacrifice of those individuals.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Kuykendall) and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Thompson) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Kuykendall).
General Leave
Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks on H. Con. Res. 228.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 228 to
recognize and honor members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees
[[Page H1971]]
who served this Nation during the Vietnam era and the families of those
individuals who lost their lives, remain unaccounted for, or were
injured during the Vietnam war.
Twenty-five years ago, we ended our involvement in the Vietnam War.
And unlike World War II or Korea, our objectives for being in the
conflicts in Southeast Asia were not very clear. Why were we there?
What forces of evil or wrongdoing compelled the potential sacrifice of
American lives? What national security or economic interests of the
United States were at stake?
Our involvement in Vietnam sparked tremendous domestic controversy,
largely because we could not answer those questions. Our soldiers came
home without fanfare or ticker-tape parades or their hero's welcome we
have historically showered on returning veterans. Our veterans became
an easy target for those who questioned our participation in Vietnam;
and, as a country, we turned our backs on them.
As a Nation, we struggle to find solutions to world issues that do
not require military force. However, when needed, the young men and
women of this Nation answer our call to service.
{time} 1500
We must never again let the popularity of any war effort be the
measure of when we honor our veterans' service. I will say that again.
We must never again let the popularity of any war effort be the measure
of when we honor our veterans' service. We cannot rewrite our past, but
we can correct those mistakes by acknowledging the service of our
Vietnam veterans, military and civilian.
Let me quote Dan Mauro, a Vietnam veteran, to reintroduce my
colleagues to our Vietnam patriots. In Dan's words, our Vietnam
veterans ``are men and women. We are dead or alive, whole or maimed,
sane or haunted. We grew from our experiences or we were destroyed by
them or we struggle to find some place in between. We lived through
hell or we had a pleasant, if scary, adventure. We were Army, Navy,
Marines, Air Force, Red Cross and civilians of all sorts. Some of us
enlisted to fight for God and country, and some were drafted. Some were
gung-ho, and some went kicking and screaming.
``Like veterans of all wars, we lived a tad bit--or a great bit--
closer to death than most people like to think about. If Vietnam vets
differ from others, perhaps it is primarily in the fact that many of us
never saw the enemy or recognized him or her. We heard gunfire and
mortar fire but rarely looked into enemy eyes. Those who did, like
folks who encounter close combat anywhere and anytime, are often
haunted for life by those eyes, those sounds, those electric fears that
ran between ourselves, our enemies and the likelihood of death for one
of us. Or we get hard, calloused, tough. All in a day's work.''
We recognized the heroism of those who lost their lives in Vietnam
with the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1993. Today, with
2.5 million visitors annually, this memorial is the most visited place
in the Nation's capital. This memorial is a fitting tribute to the men
and women who served in Vietnam. The wall has helped family members and
friends say a final farewell. It has helped others come to terms with
their Vietnam service. It has taught a generation about the heroism of
those who lost their lives in Vietnam.
It is time now to embrace the service of all our Vietnam veterans,
those who lived, those who died, those still missing, and all of us
whose lives were unalterably changed by the experience. It is for this
reason that House Concurrent Resolution 228 is so important.
May 7, 2000, marks the 25th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam
era. House Concurrent Resolution 228 marks this historic anniversary by
honoring the duty, courage, service and love of family and country
demonstrated by the 2.7 million Americans who served in Vietnam. Let
this resolution also stand as notice to those who serve us now, in
places like the Balkans, Korea, and the Persian Gulf and for the next
generations of patriots: America will stand by you and will praise your
service, bravery, and commitment.
I am proud to have served my country in Vietnam and am honored to be
recognized as a veteran of that war. Today, I am deeply privileged to
salute all who served, lost their lives, were injured or are still
missing in Southeast Asia by supporting this resolution. I thank my
colleague, the gentleman from California, for his service in Vietnam
and his efforts to acknowledge the contributions of Vietnam veterans
and their families. I urge my colleagues in Congress and people across
the Nation to recognize the contributions of these heroes.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Kuykendall)
for bringing House Concurrent Resolution 228 to the floor today. This
resolution allows Congress and the American people to commemorate the
service of the men and women who served in both uniformed and civilian
roles during the Vietnam era. On May 7, 2000, our Nation will observe
the 25th anniversary of the end of that era. This resolution's genesis
are the veterans that I have the honor of representing who live today
at the California veterans home in Yountville in my district. I thank
all of them and, in particular, John Schmucker, Tom Sarciapone, Sam
Hollis, Jr., Robert Moak, and the other members of the Allied Council
of the Yountville veterans home for their generous suggestion for
honoring Vietnam-era service members and Federal civilian workers.
Like so many others before us, my generation was called to arms. Most
of us responded, notwithstanding the controversy and the turmoil the
Vietnam War caused. Seventy-nine of our current House colleagues and 16
Senators served, and several served with extraordinary bravery and
courage. The images of Vietnam are still vivid in our individual and
collective memories. But what is most surprising is the passage of time
since our service.
As I mentioned, May 7 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 an important chapter in our lives.
Between 1961 and 1975, more than 3.4 million Americans served in the
armed services in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia. Elsewhere in
the world, other U.S. forces stood as sentinels. Whether it was along
the 38th parallel, at Checkpoint Charlie, the DEW line, Diego Garcia,
or patrolling undetected under the world's oceans, U.S. servicemen and
women ensured the peace.
The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs estimate that more
than 9.2 million active duty, reserve, and guard personnel protected
U.S. national security interests throughout the world during the
Vietnam era. Untold millions of Federal civilian workers also
contributed to our Nation's defense at a time tensions were growing
between world superpowers. On the eve of this anniversary, we pause to
commemorate their service and their sacrifice as well.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution commemorates the sacrifice of every
individual who served our Nation during that period called the Vietnam
Era. As important, the resolution expresses appreciation to the
families of those who died, remain unaccounted for, or who were injured
during the course of their service during this era. While it is defined
in the statute by specific dates, until the last of our missing service
members is found or accounted for, the Vietnam era will never be
completely closed.
I again thank the majority leader, the Democratic leader, the
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence), the gentleman from Missouri
(Mr. Skelton), the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), the gentleman
from California (Mr. Hunter), and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr.
Bonior) for their help in making sure this resolution came to the floor
at this particular time. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr.
Kuykendall) for his leadership and urge the support of House Concurrent
Resolution 228.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons).
(Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
[[Page H1972]]
Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from
California (Mr. Kuykendall) for introducing this and the gentleman from
California (Mr. Thompson) for their support of this issue as well. As a
Vietnam veteran and former fighter pilot, I stand in this well honored
and privileged to speak out in support of this issue.
As my colleagues said, it was just 25 years ago that the Vietnam era
officially ended with the infamous fall of Saigon. Although many
Americans have turned away from this sad chapter in our national
history, this country cannot and it will not turn away from those young
men and women who wrote that history with their blood, their pain, and
their heroic sacrifices. I am proud, as I said, to join my fellow
veterans of the Vietnam War and the rest of our country in honoring the
service and the sacrifice of all these men and women wearing our
Nation's uniform during that very trying time. Let us not forget to
honor the families, those who sacrificed with the parent, the child,
the brother or a sister off in a distant land defending their Nation,
defending our freedom. Some are still in pain with loved ones still
missing and unaccounted for but never forgotten.
Honoring these men and women is the least we can do as we start a new
millennium, as we start a new era. But one thing is and always will be
certain: our need for the types of men and women like these brave
soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in Vietnam. We need types that
are as dedicated and selfless as those who were sacrificing their lives
in Vietnam for us.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and thanks I urge all
my colleagues to support this issue. I urge unanimous passage of this
humble recognition and fitting commemoration of our fellow citizens,
Vietnam-era veterans and their families.
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), ranking member of
the Committee on Armed Services.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time. I wish to pay special commendation to my friend and my colleague,
the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson), for introducing this
resolution. I might also note, besides being a very active member of
our committee, he was a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam
and served his country well and with dedication during the Vietnam era
and during that conflict. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr.
Kuykendall) for his strong support of this resolution.
Although it may not seem it, 25 years have elapsed since the United
States military forces fought in Vietnam. While not everyone may agree
that the United States should have participated in the conflict, the
matter is we did. More important, hundreds of thousands of patriotic
Americans gave their lives or were wounded while serving this country.
Still others remain unaccounted for. It is only fitting that we
recognize their sacrifice on behalf of our great Nation.
This resolution honors the service of the military members and
civilians who served during the Vietnam era and also recognizes and
honors the families who suffered during this conflict. The heroism and
sacrifices made by these individuals deserve to be recognized, and this
resolution takes that step.
In these days when we consider how best to improve access to health
care for our service members and our military retirees, we must not
forget that our efforts are really aimed at fulfilling a commitment to
servicemen and women who served not just in Vietnam but also in the
Second World War and Korea and the Persian Gulf and elsewhere around
the globe. We owe them for their service and for the promises our
government made to them. We cannot and must not let them down regarding
the very serious issue of health care.
Mr. Speaker, our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and civilians
who served in Vietnam did their duty to protect our freedom and gave
hope to the oppressed people of that country. As we approach the 25th
anniversary of the Vietnam conflict, it is wholly appropriate that we
commend the service and sacrifice of those who served. I urge my
colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests
for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
The newspaper back in my district had a front page story this weekend
with many pictures in the body of it talking about the Vietnam War's
25th anniversary. For each group of people that served in whatever time
period you were in, you cannot help but have your memories come
flooding back when you see these newspaper stories, seeing it now with
the hindsight of history. It is much different than the day we lived
it, when we were serving in that particular capacity.
It is great today as a Member of Congress to be able to recognize on
the Vietnam War's 25th anniversary the service of those men and women
who served with the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson) and myself
in that Southeast Asian conflict. Today, I now have a daughter who
serves, and I now recognize what my parents must have thought when they
put me on a plane for several trips to Asia. It is a different feeling
and yet it is the same feeling you get whether you are doing it today
or you were doing it 25 years ago or 25 years before that. That is the
reason we have these recognitions, because a Nation that ever forgets
to recognize that service has taken one step down a path we do not want
to be on.
I would like to encourage everybody, today in this resolution, to
recognize Vietnam veterans. Just a few minutes ago, we recognized
G.I.'s for the 20th century.
{time} 1515
But everybody should look around and say ``thank you'' to that uncle
or that grandfather or that son or daughter or brother or sister that
you saw serve in the military.
I was proud of my service. All of us that served were proud of our
service, and today Congress has a chance in this resolution to
recognize on the 25th anniversary the service of veterans, both
military and civilian, who served in Southeast Asia. I urge the passage
of this resolution.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con.
Res. 228, a bill to recognize and honor the sacrifice and service of
those members of our Nation's Armed Forces and their civilian defense
counterparts who served during the Vietnam era. I urge my colleagues to
join in supporting this worthy legislation.
Mr. Speaker, the Vietnam war was neither a popular nor a fully
supported conflict among the American public, for a large number of
reasons. The remote location of the fighting, the apparent hesitancy of
two successive administrations to seek a decisive victory, the
deterioration, over time, of the United States' established commitment
to fighting communism in southeast Asia, and the gradual increasing
unpopularity of the war among the Nation's youth all contributed to the
eventual withdrawal of United States forces from South Vietnam, Laos
and Cambodia. A similar, but not quite as severe outcome had occurred
in the earlier Korean conflict.
While the returning G.I's from the Korean war had encountered
indifference from the American population, those returning from Vietnam
were often met with outright hostility. Moreover, it took more than a
decade for proper recognition, in the form of a national memorial, to
be provided for our Vietnam veterans.
There are still a number of unresolved issues from the Vietnam war.
Chief among these is the POW/MIA issue. There still remain over 2,000
unaccounted for servicemembers from the conflict in southeast Asia.
Regrettably, in recent years, many have sought to downplay the need for
the fullest possible accounting of those missing personnel in pursuit
of the establishment of commercial interests in southeast Asia. May
this resolution be of some solace to the families and loved ones of our
missing and POW's that there are many of us in the Congress committed
to a full and final accounting of our missing.
It bears noting that for today's generation entering college, the
Vietnam war is as distant as World War II was to the baby boomer
generation. It is my hope that this resolution will help to preserve
the memory of the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice made by the
members of our Armed Forces who chose to serve their Nation at a time
when military service was decidedly unpopular.
Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con.
Res. 228. This Resolution honors the sacrifice that so many Americans
gave during the Vietnam conflict.
[[Page H1973]]
There is no way that any American can view the Vietnam Wall without
their heart becoming heavy with both pride and sadness. Although this
war caused so many different views from so many different people, the
one thing that we all can and should agree upon is the honor of the
service of those who served in Vietnam.
They served with the same commitment to honor, duty, and country as
every American has in wars past. They served during a particularly
difficult time in our history. But despite the times, they never
wavered from their devotion to duty. Their actions speak volumes about
their character when you consider that the average age of the American
service person in Vietnam was 19.
Anyone who has read the letters from home between service members and
their families know the tremendous toll that the war took on both. We
must never forget their sacrifice.
Mr. Speaker, there are still open wounds of the heart that have not
healed yet. That is because there is the unresolved cases of our
missing MIAs and POWs. Our families can not be at peace until we know
the whereabouts of their loved ones' remains. Our government must take
every action necessary to resolve these cases as soon as possible.
In sum, Mr. Speaker, today I offer praise and respect to all the
Americans, both military and civilian that served in Vietnam. Their
sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Nethercutt). The question is on the
motion offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Kuykendall) that
the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H.
Con. Res. 228.
The question was taken.
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas
and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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