[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize 
National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a time to honor the brave men and 
women who served. This past Saturday, we marked the National Vietnam 
War Veterans Day.
  Mr. Speaker, 52 years ago, on March 29, 1973, the last U.S. combat 
troops departed Vietnam, marking the end of direct U.S. involvement. 
Yet, for too many of those who returned home, there were no parades, no 
celebrations, only silence where gratitude should have been. Despite 
this, they carried the burden of their service with dignity.
  Many were drafted, but all answered the call with honor and 
distinction. They not only served with valor but also took it upon 
themselves to ensure their sacrifice would never be forgotten.
  The Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington, D.C., was built 
entirely through private donations, a testament to their dedication to 
one another and to the 2.7 million servicemembers who served in 
Vietnam.
  Mr. Speaker, we all know someone who served in Vietnam. They are our 
friends, our family, our neighbors. It is long overdue that we salute 
them, but it is never too late to show our gratitude. May God bless our 
Vietnam war veterans today and always, and welcome home.

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