State of Tennessee Proclaims Vietnam Veterans Day

NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam proclaimed March 29th as Vietnam Veterans Day, four years after Tennessee became the first state in the nation to designate a special day of observance in honor the Veterans of the Vietnam War.

The proclamation was signed on March 1st, “to encourage all citizens of our great state in showing our sincere respect and appreciation, and resolve to never again disregard the recognition for these men and women who bravely fought to defend our nation against a brutal and harsh enemy.”

On March 30, 1973, the U.S. Armed Forces completed the withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam. More than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives in Vietnam and more than 153,000 were wounded in battle and theatre. Upon their return home, many members of the United States Armed Forces who bravely served their country were not given the "Welcome Home" they so richly deserved.

Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder commended the proclamation, stating, “For 39 years, the service and sacrifices of the Veterans of the Vietnam War to their country has been discounted. I’m proud of Tennessee’s 2008 legislature for becoming the first to formally honor our soldiers in the manner that they deserve.”

The Vietnam War was fought in Vietnam from 1964 to 1975 and involved North Vietnam Army Regulars and Viet Cong in conflict and battle with the United States and the South Vietnam government. Approximately 3,403,000 United States military troops were deployed to Vietnam.