[Page H2876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING VIETNAM VETERANS

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, tomorrow is National 
Vietnam War Veterans Day.
  Madam Speaker, 46 years ago, March 29, 1973, the last combat troops 
were ordered out of Vietnam; and just 2 years ago, we designated March 
29 as a national day to honor our Vietnam veterans.
  Madam Speaker, in many instances, our Vietnam veterans often did not 
receive a warm welcome home when they returned from war. There were no 
parades, no welcome back ceremonies.
  Our Vietnam veterans, many of whom were drafted, answered the 
Nation's call and served with honor and distinction.
  Vietnam veterans constructed their own memorial here in Washington, 
built entirely by private donations and dedicated to the 2.7 million 
servicemembers who served during the Vietnam war.
  Madam Speaker, we all know someone who served in Vietnam. These 
veterans are our friends, our family, and neighbors. It is long overdue 
to salute them for their service, but it is not too late. This weekend, 
I will proudly be at the Cambria County War Memorial to mark this 
special day.
  May God bless our Vietnam war veterans today, tomorrow, and every 
day.
  Welcome home.

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