HOUSE MEMORIAL 88

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2016

INTRODUCED BY

Bob Wooley and Eliseo Lee Alcon

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO DECLARE MARCH 29, 2016 AS "VIETNAM VETERANS DAY" IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, the Vietnam veterans of New Mexico served their country with honor and courage; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico had more soldiers per capita than any other state who either enlisted or were drafted during the Vietnam war; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico suffered three hundred ninety-nine casualties during the Vietnam war; and

     WHEREAS, thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and members of the coast guard returned home bearing wounds and scars; and

     WHEREAS, many more were burdened by the invisible wounds of posttraumatic stress disorder, agent orange and memories that will never fade; and

     WHEREAS, many service members came home to be neglected or to face treatment unbefitting their courageous and honorable service; and

     WHEREAS, Vietnam veterans have continued to pay a great price for the freedom that all people enjoy; and

     WHEREAS, many Vietnam veterans returned home to become leaders in business, their communities and the political arena and have continued to serve as examples of service to others; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico owes a great debt to the veterans of the Vietnam war; 

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to declare March 29, 2016 as "Vietnam Veterans Day" in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that recognition be given to all Vietnam veterans throughout New Mexico for their service to their country; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of veterans' services and the New Mexico president of Vietnam veterans of America.

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