National Vietnam Veterans Day
On March 29, 1973, the last of our troops left Vietnam. Three million Americans served in the conflict and thousands upon thousands returned home with physical and emotional wounds. More than 58,000 others never returned home, laying down their lives in service to our nation.
Our Vietnam War Veterans, whether in country or not, were scorned and insulted by vociferous antiwar activists. Many of those protestors have come to realize the negative effect their actions caused and are working hard to make amends. So today, while opposition to the conflicts and continued troop presence in Afghanistan and Iraq is fierce, support and respect for our troops is widespread. While service members today often travel in uniform, a uniform that today elicits high esteem from the public, Vietnam War veterans often traveled in civilian clothes to avoid verbal attacks and the like.
To Washingtonians who served during the Vietnam War, thank you, truly, thank you for your service. To those of you who have family members who served during that time, hug them a little tighter or give them a call if they are far, as the late 60’s and 70’s were tough times for them. Many were able to put that time behind, but others, while they physically came home, are still missing in action emotionally. This is why our WDVA efforts to connect all veterans and their families to their earned benefits are critical to finally bring our Vietnam brothers and sisters home.
Thank you,
Lourdes E. Alvarado Ramos (Alfie)
Director
WA Department of Veterans Affairs