Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

Floor Speech

WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY -- (House of Representatives - March 24, 2009)

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his quick consideration of the bill, House Resolution 234, a resolution expressing support for the designation of a ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.'' I commend my colleague, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez of California, for introducing this resolution.

The desire to welcome home our Nation's Vietnam veterans is strong across the country. It has now been 36 years since the American troops left Vietnam. It was March 30, 1973, when the United States Army completed the withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam.

Last Congress, we passed House Resolution 1231, a bill that recognizes the importance of Vietnam Veterans Day. In that legislation, we urged Americans to recognize the date and participate in local events. Across the Nation, several States have already organized Welcome Home events for Vietnam veterans on March 28 and March 29 of this year. This legislation before us would continue our support for this effort; provide honor and recognition of the contributions of veterans of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam, and encourages the people of the United States to observe Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 234.

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