LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam
War

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who give
positive definition to the profile and disposition of the American Armed
Forces so profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to the exercise of
freedom; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the men and women who served with dignity
and honor during this historic time period, let us remember them and
thank them for their service; and
WHEREAS, More than three million servicemen and women left their fami-
lies to bravely serve a world away in places such as la Drang to Khe
Sanh, from Hue to Saigon, and countless villages in between; they pushed
through jungles and rice paddies, heat and monsoons, fighting to protect
the ideals we hold dear as Americans; and
WHEREAS, Through more than a decade of combat, over air, land, and
sea, these proud Americans upheld the highest traditions of United
States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 150,000 New Yorkers served in-country; and
WHEREAS, Today, there are more than 300,000 Vietnam and Vietnam-era
veterans, the largest single block of veterans in New York State's popu-
lation of almost one million veterans; and
WHEREAS, Beginning on Memorial Day 2012, the Federal government began
a partnership with local governments, private organizations and communi-
ties across the country to participate in the commemoration of the 50th
Anniversary of the Vietnam War, a 13-year program to honor and give
thanks to a generation of proud Americans who saw our country through
one of the most challenging times; and
WHEREAS, May 28, 2012, through November 11, 2025, is known as the
Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War as declared by
President Barack Obama, by Presidential Proclamation dated May 25, 2012;
and
WHEREAS, The 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War is living estuary to
the courage of so many; from its broad use of shared concern and respon-
sive endeavor, there yet emanates the current valiant tradition and the
irrepressible tide of freedom; and
WHEREAS, Through its avowed commitment to those who served in the
cause of America's freedom, the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War does
so unselfishly advance that spirit of united purpose and shared concern
which is the unalterable manifestation of our American experience; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, and to pay tribute
to those who served and to recognize the achievements of these special
individuals, fully confident that such procedure mirrors our shared
commitment to preserve and ensure our American freedom; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mr. John Rowan, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America;
and Mr. Ned Foote, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America New York
State Council.