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Nos genuflectitur ad non princeps sed Princeps Pacem!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
Posted on 03/30/2012 11:03:57 AM PDT by fatrat
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release March 29, 2012 Presidential Proclamation -- Vietnam Veterans Day
VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On January 12, 1962, United States Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon. Operation Chopper marked America's first combat mission against the Viet Cong, and the beginning of one of our longest and most challenging wars. Through more than a decade of conflict that tested the fabric of our Nation, the service of our men and women in uniform stood true. Fifty years after that fateful mission, we honor the more than 3 million Americans who served, we pay tribute to those we have laid to rest, and we reaffirm our dedication to showing a generation of veterans the respect and support of a grateful Nation.
The Vietnam War is a story of service members of different backgrounds, colors, and creeds who came together to complete a daunting mission. It is a story of Americans from every corner of our Nation who left the warmth of family to serve the country they loved. It is a story of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm's way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear. From Ia Drang to Hue, they won every major battle of the war and upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces.
Eleven years of combat left their imprint on a generation. Thousands returned home bearing shrapnel and scars; still more were burdened by the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress, of Agent Orange, of memories that would never fade. More than 58,000 laid down their lives in service to our Nation. Now and forever, their names are etched into two faces of black granite, a lasting memorial to those who bore conflict's greatest cost.
Our veterans answered our country's call and served with honor, and on March 29, 1973, the last of our troops left Vietnam. Yet, in one of the war's most profound tragedies, many of these men and women came home to be shunned or neglected -- to face treatment unbefitting their courage and a welcome unworthy of their example. We must never let this happen again. Today, we reaffirm one of our most fundamental obligations: to show all who have worn the uniform of the United States the respect and dignity they deserve, and to honor their sacrifice by serving them as well as they served us. Half a century after those helicopters swept off the ground and into the annals of history, we pay tribute to the fallen, the missing, the wounded, the millions who served, and the millions more who awaited their return. Our Nation stands stronger for their service, and on Vietnam Veterans Day, we honor their proud legacy with our deepest gratitude.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
Hi Buff,
I was on Swifts 1965-66...in the same area as John F’kn Kerry, but was there before he graced the op-area with his presence.
To my fellow Vietnam vets:
Thank you, Repeat Offender. Most of us went over only once. You guys have done a tremendous job and we can’t thank you enough.
I never heard about it until this moment.
So, FUBO, and welcome home to my brother Vietnam veterans.
Yep.
Welcome home!
FUBO!!!
Post of the day. 1st Cavalry Division RVN 1970-71
Sincerest condolences and thanks.
I was born in 1951 and I think that’s the year your vet was born, too.
Welcome Home!
I have a good story about a family member who is a Vietnam Veteran (USMC).
He was talking to an active duty Marine (a baby Brother ;)) and thanking him for his service and pouring into him some praise. (Basically, you all rock!)
The Marine replied, “Oh no! YOU were THE guys!!!
How did you guys fight that war with such primitive weapons!!!”
LOL! I love that story.
That’s a great story.
We kicked ass with what we had.
And thank you for your service, Sir.
_________________________
"No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection."
"If your shooting stance is good, you're probably not moving fast enough nor using cover correctly."
"If it's stupid but works, it isn't stupid."
"The important things are always simple." ~ from Marine Corps Wisdom. ________________
Thank you and all Vietnam Vets. for your service.
My uncle was a Vietnam vet from 1967-1970
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A “simple” thank you to you.
Welcome!
**
>
U
Thanks and it’s appreciated.
Me too! See my home page if you wish.
Welcome Home, Brother!
they can keep it. no honor in any proclamation from The One.
1970-71 3/11 Cav Blackhorse
Amen.
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