[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 9369-9370]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE VIETNAMESE ARMED FORCES DAY CEREMONY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2017

  Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the 
Vietnamese Armed Forces Day Ceremony at the Vietnam War Memorial in 
Denver, Colorado. This ceremony seeks to honor the efforts of all of 
those who fought in Vietnam and commemorate the 42nd Anniversary of the 
Fall of Saigon.
  As a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, I understand the importance 
that duty and sacrifice for one's country is not something unique

[[Page 9370]]

to the United States military. In fact, the Vietnam Memorial in Denver 
serves as a reminder of those sacrifices made not only by the Americans 
who fought there, but reminds us here in the U.S. of the hardships 
endured by the South Vietnamese themselves. Most importantly, the 
Memorial also serves as a symbol of friendship and shared struggle to 
defend freedom and liberty, in which the United States and Republic of 
Vietnam together sacrificed so much and fought so bravely. This year is 
the 2nd Anniversary of the Vietnam War Memorial in Denver, and it truly 
represents an important and meaningful addition to our community.
  I am proud to recognize the efforts put forth by these men and women 
in the defense of democracy in our two countries. The United States of 
America is stronger and more enriched because of their contributions 
and for this, I thank them.
  I would also like to thank True Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese 
American Community of Colorado and Thinh Nguyen, the Chair of the 
Vietnamese Armed Forces Day Organizing Committee for helping to make 
this ceremony and special day possible.

                          ____________________