HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 4

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Rodolpho “Rudy” S. Martinez

FOR THE MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR DECLARE MARCH 29, 2013 AS "VIETNAM VETERANS DAY" IN THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, on January 12, 1962, United States Army pilots lifted more than one thousand south Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a national liberation front stronghold near Saigon; and 

     WHEREAS, Operation Chopper marked America's first combat mission against the Viet Cong and the beginning of one of the longest and most challenging wars; and

     WHEREAS, through more than a decade of conflict that tested the fabric of the nation, the service of men and women in uniform stood true; and

     WHEREAS, thousands returned home bearing shrapnel and scars; more were burdened by the invisible wounds of posttraumatic stress disorder, agent orange and memories that would never fade; and many of these men and women came home to be shunned or neglected and to face treatment unbefitting their courage and a welcome unworthy of their example; and

     WHEREAS, America's veterans answered the country's call and served with honor, and on March 29, 1973, the last United States' troops left Vietnam, where more than fifty-eight thousand laid down their lives in service to the nation; and

     WHEREAS, fifty-one years later, we honor the sacrifice of the more than three million Americans who served in Vietnam by serving them as well as they served the country and by reaffirming one of the most fundamental obligations to show all who have worn the uniform of the United States the respect and dignity that they deserve, and by paying tribute to the fallen, the missing, the wounded, the millions who served and the millions more who awaited their return; and

     WHEREAS, the United States stands stronger for their service, and their proud legacy is honored with deepest gratitude;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to declare March 29, 2013 "Vietnam Veterans Day" in the state of New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the office of the governor, the office of the lieutenant governor and the veterans' services department.

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