[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2012

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong 
support of H. Res. XXX, expressing support for ``Welcome Home Vietnam 
Veterans' Day 2012.''
  We do not have to walk far from the doors of this building to be 
reminded of the bravery that so many of our young men and women have 
shown in defense of this country over the last 236 years. Statues, 
monuments, and other symbols of American freedom color our horizon and 
tell the stories of the veterans who served, sacrificed, and gave so 
much for the country they loved.
  As a nation, we honor those who defend us with memorials, holidays, 
and parades. But, as a people, we have not always fulfilled our duty to 
properly recognize those fellow citizens who put themselves in harm's 
way to keep us safe and protect our freedoms.
  Unfortunately, we failed in this duty to our Vietnam veterans. They 
came home to a time of civil unrest and social turmoil--a time when 
opposition to the war too easily turned into opposition against those 
young men and women who served in that war.
  Too many service members returned from the brutality of war, not 
recognized for their courage, their honor, and their sacrifice.
  The harsh greeting that met too many veterans in addition to the life 
changing trials of war, made an already difficult transition to 
civilian life even harder.
  The communities that could have supported those who were reeling from 
the trauma of loss were not always available. When these veterans 
needed someone to lend an ear, or a helping hand, too many found a cold 
shoulder.
  By encouraging Americans to observe ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans 
Day,'' my resolution seeks to provide these heroes the welcome home 
that they always deserved, but too many never received.
  ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day'' is the culmination of years of 
effort on the part of my constituent Jose Ramos, himself a Vietnam 
veteran.
  As an Army Combat Medic in Vietnam, Jose Ramos was victim to the 
indifferent and often hostile public reaction when he returned home. It 
was his personal experiences, and those of his fellow GIs, that 
motivated him to work toward establishing a national day of 
recognition. His work inspired many, including me, to help give Vietnam 
veterans their long overdue ``welcome home.''
  While today's resolution may seem like a small gesture--and when 
compared to what our soldiers and their families sacrificed, it 
certainly is--it will serve to remind us of their service to our 
country.
  Although there may be differing opinions on foreign policies and the 
popularity of certain military actions may vary, all American voices 
should rise in unison when it comes time to thank those who risk 
everything for the defense of the American people.
  I urge my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to join in honoring 
Vietnam veterans by participating in Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day 
events in their communities next year.

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