K 261: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2025, as Vietnam Veterans Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 261 BY: M. of A. Stern MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2025, as Vietnam Veterans Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is 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 in conjunction 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 memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2025, as Vietnam Veterans Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Vietnam Veterans Day; and WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Forces from the State of New York, who have so honorably served this State and Nation deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; 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, The United States carried out its first combat mission against the Viet Cong on January 12, 1962; in Operation Choppers, the United States Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnam service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front Stronghold near Saigon; and WHEREAS, Through more than a decade of combat, over air, land, and sea, these proud Americans upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, More than three million Americans served their country, and more than 58,000 sacrificed their lives; the names of those lost are forever engraved in the black granite Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and WHEREAS, The Vietnam War era was a tumultuous time in America; when our brave service members returned home, many returned with physical and emotional scars; and WHEREAS, By the end of 1965, there were 80,000 United States troops in Vietnam, and by 1969, a peak of approximately 543,000 troops was reached; and WHEREAS, On January 27, 1973, the Treaty of Paris was signed, which required the release of all United States prisoners-of-war held in North Vietnam and the withdrawal of all United States forces in South Vietnam; and WHEREAS, On May 7, 1975, the last 2,500 troops were withdrawn from South Vietnam thus ending military involvement in the Vietnam War; and WHEREAS, Pursuant to Chapter 582 of the Laws of 2022 created the Vietnam War Commemorative Medal. This New York Recognition Award was established as an expression of support and appreciation from the New York State Legislature and the people of New York to Vietnam veterans for their honorable military service; and WHEREAS, The citizens of this great State and Nation, benefactors of the sacrifices and courageous acts of the men and women who served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces, remain indebted and are justly proud of the Vietnam veterans from the State of New York, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2025, as Vietnam Veterans Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Vietnam Veterans Day; and be it further RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to encourage the people of the State of New York to observe Vietnam Veterans Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that provide the appreciation Vietnam War veterans deserve but did not receive upon returning home from the war; to demonstrate the resolve that never again shall the Nation disregard and denigrate a generation of veterans; to promote awareness of the faithful service and contributions of such veterans during their military service as well as their communities since returning home; to promote awareness of all the importance of entire communities empowering veterans and the families of veterans to readjust to civilian life after military service; and to promote opportunities for such veterans to assist younger veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in rehabilitation from wounds, both seen and unseen, and to support the reintegration of younger veterans into civilian life; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York; and Vietnam veteran organizations.