Substitute for House Resolution No. 281.

            A resolution to declare March 29, 2018, as Recognize Vietnam Veterans Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The Vietnam War lasted from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975, and was the longest military conflict the United States has ever been involved in throughout its history; and   

            Whereas, The United States withdrew its direct military involvement on March 29, 1973, when the last American troops left South Vietnam; and

            Whereas, The United States military personnel who served in Vietnam included officers, advisors, nurses and doctors; and

Whereas, 2,594,000 Americans served in South Vietnam. One out of every 10 Americans who served in Vietnam was a casualty. 58,220 were killed and 304,000 wounded out of the 2.5 million who served. 240 American soldiers received the Medal of Honor for their brave actions on the battlefield; and

            Whereas, The war was estimated to cost approximately $200 billion. The bombing of North Vietnam exceed the total tonnage of bombs dropped on Germany, Italy and Japan during World War II; and

            Whereas, The Vietnam War was the source of much turmoil and dissent in the United States resulting in widespread protests throughout the country creating much anti-war sentiment; and

            Whereas, This anti-war sentiment was evident in the poor manner in which U.S. soldiers were treated upon returning from Vietnam.  They were not welcomed as heroes with parades as U. S. soldiers were when returning home after World War II.  They were not given the medical, psychological, and monetary support by their country needed to make the transition and tens of thousands of Vietnam veterans committed suicide; and

            Whereas, Public sentiment gradually changed and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was dedicated in November 13, 1982, in Washington, D.C., engraved with the names of the more than 58,000 American soldiers who died in Vietnam; and

            Whereas, On May 25, 2012, President Barack Obama signed a proclamation designating the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War that will continue until November 11, 2025. For these 13 years, the program will honor and give thanks to a generation of proud Americans who saw our country through one of the most challenging missions we have ever faced; and

            Whereas, We as a state must live up to this challenge to respect and honor those who answered the call of their country and so valiantly served in Vietnam; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 29, 2018, as Recognize Vietnam Veterans Day in the state of Michigan.