Assembly Resolution No. 243

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the end of
the Vietnam War on March 29, 2025

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on March 29, 2025, at the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial at SUNY Schenectady in Schenectady, New York;
and

WHEREAS, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was
authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense, and
launched by President Obama in 2012 to thank and honor our nation's
Vietnam Veterans and their families for service and sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, President Obama officially inaugurated this commemoration
at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on May 28, 2012;
by Presidential proclamation, the Vietnam War Commemoration will
continue through Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, and our nation will
commemorate this 50th Anniversary over a 13-year period; and

WHEREAS, On January 12, 1962, U.S. Army pilots transported over
1,000 South Vietnamese soldiers through dense jungle to seize a National
Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon; this mission, known as
Operation Chopper, marked the United States' first combat action against
the Viet Cong and the beginning of one of the longest and most difficult
wars in our history; and

WHEREAS, Over more than a decade of conflict that tested the
strength of our Nation, the courage and dedication of our men and women
in uniform remained unwavering; 50 years after that pivotal mission, we
honor the more than three million Americans who served, remember those
we have lost, and reaffirm our commitment to showing a generation of
veterans the respect and support they deserve from a grateful Nation;
and

WHEREAS, The Vietnam War tells the story of service members from all
walks of life-different backgrounds, races, and beliefs-coming together
to accomplish an immense task; it is the story of Americans from every
corner of the country leaving their homes and families to serve the
nation they cherished; it is the story of patriots who risked
everything, who stepped into danger to save their comrades, and who
fought tirelessly to protect the freedoms we hold dear; from Ia Drang to
Hue, they triumphed in every major battle and upheld the proud
traditions of our Armed Forces; and


WHEREAS, The 11 years of combat left a lasting impact on a
generation; thousands returned home bearing visible wounds, while many
others struggled with the invisible scars of post-traumatic stress,
Agent Orange, and memories that would never fade; and

WHEREAS, During the Vietnam War, more than 58,000 gave their lives
in service to our Nation; their names are now eternally engraved on two
black granite walls, serving as a permanent tribute to those who paid
the ultimate price in the conflict; and

WHEREAS, These brave veterans answered their country's call with
honor, and on March 29, 1973, the last troops left Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, Today, March 29th is annually observed as National Vietnam
War Veterans Day, reaffirming one of our most sacred responsibilities:
to offer every person who has worn the uniform of the United States the
respect and dignity they have earned, and to honor their sacrifices by
serving them as they served us; and

WHEREAS, Fifty years after those helicopters first lifted off and
made history, we pay tribute to the fallen, the missing, the wounded,
the millions who served, and the countless loved ones who awaited their
return; our Nation is stronger because of their service, and on Vietnam
Veterans Day, we salute their proud legacy with our deepest gratitude;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on March
29, 2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Schenectady County Veterans Service Agency.