[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





            RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF OUR VIETNAM VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2025

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of the 
men and women who fought for our Nation during the Vietnam War.
  During the Vietnam War, 8.7 million Americans served in our Nation's 
Armed Forces, with over 2.7 million being deployed to Vietnam. 
Tragically, 58,281 servicemembers would lose their lives in the 
conflict, and many more were wounded in action. Moreover, there are 
nearly 1,600 Americans who are still classified as missing in action or 
having died in captivity as a prisoner of war. I am thankful for our 
Department of Defense's continued commitment to searching for our 
missing soldiers, and I am very hopeful that we can one day bring 
closure to each and every family member and friend of our POW/MIA 
servicemembers in this conflict.
  At present, it's estimated there are just over 5 million Vietnam 
veterans still alive today. Many have experienced hardships with little 
recognition. Despite this, they have persevered and served our country 
in other ways. A great number of Vietnam veterans have become fast 
responders, industrial workers, farmers, truck drivers, and public 
servants. We are exceptionally grateful for their continued selfless 
service to our great Nation. Since the conflict, the relationship 
between the United States and Vietnam has also progressed to remarkable 
milestones. Vietnam has emerged to become one of our closest allies in 
the Pacific and is a strategic partner in our efforts to account for 
missing servicemembers.
  On this occasion, I would also like to thank Captain Dave Carey for 
his special keynote address. Capt. Carey is a distinguished American 
patriot and aviator who served as a U.S. Navy pilot in Vietnam. After 
enduring nearly six years as a prisoner of war, Capt. Carey served in 
key leadership positions in the Navy and became a passionate 
motivational speaker and author.
  I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to commemorate and honor our Vietnam Veterans to ensure their 
heroism and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

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