[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 167 (Tuesday, October 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING FALLEN PARATROOPERS OF THE ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

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                           HON. HARLEY ROUDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 22, 2019

  Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 81 
paratroopers of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam whose remains will 
find a final resting place in Orange County this weekend.
  These brave soldiers--whose names we may never know--were killed in 
1965 aboard an American plane and died alongside 4 American crew 
members. For the last 33 years, the commingled remains of these 
paratroopers had remained in Hawaii, their destination unknown. After 
years of ambiguity, they will be laid to rest in the heart of the 
Vietnamese community in the United States.
  This weekend's service reminds us of America's enduring commitment to 
our allies and partners, to those who stand beside us in the face of 
great peril to themselves and their families. For too long, South 
Vietnamese soldiers who fought and died alongside American forces have 
not received the recognition they earned.
  I am proud to represent a community that remembers those South 
Vietnamese fighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice standing alongside 
American servicemembers. I join the Vietnamese-American community--
especially the ARVN veterans not only in Orange County but across our 
nation--in remembrance and appreciation for these paratroopers.
  I urge all members to join me in recognizing the South Vietnamese 
fighters who fought alongside United States forces during the Vietnam 
War, especially those 81 who will be laid to their final resting place 
in Orange County this weekend.

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