West Central Reporter

Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) was one of many legislators who shared their memories, well wishes and thanks for veterans of the Vietnam War on Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29.

“Happy Vietnam War Veterans Day to my dad and all who served in Vietnam. My dad returned from Vietnam 51 years ago this past St. Patrick’s Day,” Davidsmeyer posted on Facebook.

The military involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War started in February 1961 and lasted till May 1975. About 2.7 million American troops served in Vietnam. About 58,000 women and servicemen lost their lives.

The Vietnam War Veterans Day was created when President Donald J. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act into law in 2017. It scheduled March 29 as the day to honor Vietnam war veterans every year.

A proclamation was issued by President Joe Biden on March 28 to honor the vets. It read: “On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we honor all those who bravely served in the Vietnam War and who sacrificed, as did their families and caregivers, on behalf of our Nation. For almost two decades, Americans raised their right hands and committed to serve and defend our Constitution as uniformed members of the United States Armed Forces during a tumultuous period in our country’s history. Throughout the years of the Vietnam War, 9 million Americans earned the title of United States veteran. Today and every day, we honor their bravery and commitment and give thanks to a generation of Americans who valiantly fought in service of the country they love while recognizing the continuing impact on so many veterans of the Vietnam conflict, along with their families, caregivers, and survivors. We will always remember those we lost and honor those who came home.”