[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SALUTING VIETNAM VETERANS
(Mr. BEAN of Florida asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, did you know that more than 3
million Americans, some only 18, 19, or 20 years old, served in
Vietnam? Each one had a duty to serve, but our duty, Mr. Speaker, is to
remember.
On March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we remember the brave
Americans who served, including the 26,900 Vietnam veterans who call
the Fourth Congressional District of Florida home. We remember the
58,000 patriots who never returned home safely to the warm embrace of
their families. Today, their names are hauntingly etched into the two
faces of black granite in our Nation's Capital known simply as The
Wall.
A replica of this very wall, almost 300 feet long, will be on display
in my district from April 17 to April 21, 2025, at the Northeast
Florida Fairgrounds in Nassau County, Florida. This will be a unique
and moving opportunity for individuals to come see the names of their
loved ones and patriots who otherwise may not be able to make it to
Washington, D.C.
Mr. Speaker, we remember the 150,000 who were wounded in battle and
bear the visible scars of post-traumatic stress and Agent Orange
exposure. We remember those who faced brutal captivity as prisoners of
war, and the 1,200 servicemembers still missing in action from Vietnam.
Mr. Speaker, we may never be able to repay our debt to those who have
given the last measure of devotion for the spirit of America, but we
can continue to do our duty to remember.
Mr. Speaker, on National Vietnam War Veterans Day and every day, we,
the people of the United States, with a grateful heart salute those who
endured great dangers at the hands of the enemy and lost in service to
our Nation.
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