[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             BARNEGAT, NEW JERSEY VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 29, 2022

  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
gratitude for the service of our Vietnam veterans and the patriotism 
shown by the community of Barnegat, New Jersey as they honor Vietnam 
War Veterans Day. Today families gather to commemorate the 49th 
anniversary of final U.S. combat troops departing South Vietnam.
  I had the opportunity to attend the second annual event in 2019 and 
have seen firsthand how much this day means not only to the veterans 
and their families, but to the visitors who travel from all over New 
Jersey to attend. Barnegat is the only town in the entire country to 
have a Vietnam veterans' monument fully funded by an individual 
Vietnamese refugee. Barnegat is setting an example on how we can honor 
the sacrifices Vietnam veterans made for our country and I sincerely 
hope this inspires others to reimagine how we remember our Vietnam 
veterans and all of our veterans.
  New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District is home to one of the largest 
concentrations of veterans in the country, a place where more than 
sixty thousand veterans call Burlington and Ocean Counties home. With 
such a large population, we see brave servicemembers who have kept us 
safe every single day. To honor such a sacrifice, I know putting 
together a meaningful ceremony dedicated to the hundreds of Vietnam 
veterans here today is no small feat. Truly, it is people's passion and 
organizing that provides hope that military service will never be 
forgotten. Thy Cavagnaro and her team have done an exceptional job 
putting this together.
  Our appreciation for our veterans should not solely be in ceremonies 
alone. The simple promise we make is that if someone steps up to 
protect us, our families, and our nation's security, we will have their 
backs for the rest of their lives. This promise is one that we as a 
nation have not always kept, and I am trying to fix that so our 
veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned. 
Whether it is passing the Honoring our PACT Act to ensure all veterans 
exposed to toxic chemicals during their service have access to the care 
and benefits they deserve, or making everyday connections directly with 
veterans in the community, it is on all of us to recognize and 
celebrate our veterans every day.
  For the thousands of Vietnam War veterans and the hundreds being 
recognized today at this ceremony, know we are eternally grateful and 
free thanks to their service.

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