[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E21-E22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING OUR NATION'S VIETNAM VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RALPH LEE ABRAHAM

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 4, 2017

  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, in honor of our Nation's and the State of 
Louisiana's Vietnam veterans, I introduce Louisiana House Concurrent 
Resolution 43.
  This resolution recognizes November 13, 2013 through November 11, 
2025, as the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. 
It is important that we recognize our Nation's heroes who served with 
valor and honor through this long war, which in many ways defined an 
entire generation of Americans. By the end of the Vietnam War, nearly 3 
million American servicemen and servicewomen had served within the 
borders of Vietnam in some capacity. We would like to take this time to 
honor all Vietnam veterans and, especially, the more than 58,000 
patriots who paid the ultimate sacrifice during this difficult and 
painful period of war.
  Of the millions of Vietnam veterans who served our country, over 
106,000 reside in my home State of Louisiana. Though we remain thankful 
for all of those who have served our great Nation, we would like to 
take this time to remember the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. It 
is important that we honor our veterans while they are still alive so 
that they can take honor for the sacrifices and know that they do not 
go unnoticed.


                   HCR NO. 43 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

       To recognize November 13, 2013, through November 11, 2025, 
     as the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam 
     War.
       Whereas, in observance of the 50th Anniversary of the 
     Vietnam War, it is important as a nation and state that we 
     reflect upon the valor of a generation that served with honor 
     and although long and controversial in nature, this war in 
     many ways defined an entire generation of Americans; and
       Whereas, although American involvement in the conflict of 
     Vietnam spanned several decades and presidencies, the ground 
     offensive officially began in March of 1965, with the 
     deployment of 2,500 Marines and by the end of that year, 
     nearly 200,000 American troops were in Vietnam. The strength 
     of the Allied Armed Forces peaked at 543,482 troops during 
     the Vietnam war; and
       Whereas, we draw inspiration from our Louisiana heros who 
     suffered unspeakable tragedies. Approximately 153,303 
     veterans suffered nonmortal wounding, 14 were held as 
     Prisoners of War, and 24 remain unaccounted for; and
       Whereas, by the official end of the Vietnam War in April of 
     1975, nearly three million American servicemen and women had 
     been on the ground, in the air, on the rivers, and

[[Page E22]]

     at sea within Vietnam's borders serving in some capacity 
     during the conflict. As a grateful nation, we honor more than 
     58,000 patriots who paid the ultimate sacrifice during this 
     difficult and painful period; and
       Whereas, of the 7,391,000 Vietnam veterans, the United 
     States Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that roughly 
     106,148 reside in Louisiana. In the half century since the 
     official beginning of the Vietnam War, our nation has 
     grappled with the sensitive effects of this struggle which 
     accompanies all wars. Yet, we remain thankful to those who 
     fought in this conflict and honor the legacy of service that 
     they built; and
       Whereas, the freedom and liberties we are blessed to enjoy 
     today are a direct result of the courage, devotion, and 
     sacrifice of the members of our Armed Forces. We are grateful 
     for their brave service and draw inspiration and pride from 
     all that they are; therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana hereby 
     recognizes November 13, 2013, through November 11, 2025, as 
     the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.

                          ____________________