Vietnam Veterans Donor Acknowledgement Act of 2013

Floor Speech

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 588, the Vietnam Veterans Donor Acknowledgment Act of 2013. This legislation will permit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to display and recognize donor contributions at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center. Other memorials located on the National Mall, including the MLK Memorial and FDR Memorial, include engraved walls of donors. By allowing recognition of major donors at the Visitor Center, this will allow the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to reach its goal of raising $95 million in private funds to complete construction of the Education Center at the Wall.

It is in our national interest to make sure there is a place to properly honor the fallen and pay the proper respects to all Americans who so proudly display the values of honor, service and duty by wearing our country's uniform. The Education Center at The Wall will be just that place. Passing this legislation will help fulfill our responsibility to ensure that future generations understand the tremendous sacrifices made by those who have answered the nation's call to duty for more than 200 years, as well as the living legacy of service carried forward by today's military.

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