[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 55 (Monday, March 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS PAPPAS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 27, 2023

  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Vietnam War Veterans Day and the hundreds of Vietnam veterans across 
New Hampshire who bravely served in all branches of our Armed Forces. 
Fifty years ago, on March 29, 1973, the last U.S. combat troops 
departed Vietnam and the remaining American prisoners of war were 
released.
  On this day, in accordance with the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition 
Act, we remember and honor the more than seven million U.S. Vietnam War 
veterans who served from November 1955 to May 1975. We solemnly 
commemorate their sacrifices as part of a national effort to stand with 
these remarkable individuals and thank them for their service and 
sacrifice.
  We also honor the tens of thousands of Americans who were wounded in 
the conflict, the 1,253 missing in action heroes who have not yet been 
returned to American soil, and the 2,500 Americans taken as prisoners 
of war.
  The veterans of the Vietnam War come from all walks of life, but are 
united by the common thread of service to their country and in defense 
of democracy. As a Nation, it is important for us to not just offer our 
thanks whenever possible but to ensure that Vietnam veterans get the 
care and help they need. Because sentiments and platitudes ring hollow 
without action to ensure that our veterans get the care, services and 
respect they have earned.
  As President Kennedy said of those who have served in uniform: ``as 
we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest 
appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.'' That is why, 
as the Representative for New Hampshire's First Congressional District 
and a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I remain 
committed to ensuring that all veterans, in New Hampshire and across 
the country, have access to the care and benefits their service has 
earned.
  Our Vietnam veterans play an essential role in our communities when 
they return from service. They are teachers, first responders, and 
members of law enforcement. They volunteer for local organizations, 
serve in local government, and inspire the next generation of Americans 
to give back to their country.
  On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional 
District, I salute the bravery of all New Hampshire Vietnam veterans, 
and I urge my fellow Granite Staters to thank the veterans in their 
lives for their service and find ways to continue to pay down the debt 
that we all share for that sacrifice.

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