MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Kirby, Barnett, Butler (38th), Caughman, DeBar, England, Hill, Jackson, McCaughn, McLendon, Michel, Moran, Seymour, Sparks
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF UNITED STATES COMBAT OPERATIONS AND THE RELEASE OF AMERICAN PRISONERS OF WAR IN VIETNAM.
WHEREAS, the year 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of United States combat operations and the release of American Prisoners of War in Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, United States combat operations in Vietnam came to an end on January 27, 1973; and
WHEREAS, of the 3,403,100 Americans who served with honor during the Vietnam War, there were 58,220 casualties, which included 636 Mississippians who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation; and
WHEREAS, of the 766 prisoners of war, 114 died while captive in Vietnam, and 591 returned home during Operation Homecoming 50 years ago, from February to April of 1973; and
WHEREAS, the Vietnam War left almost 1,600 Americans unaccounted for, and 12 Mississippians are still listed as missing in action; and
WHEREAS, today there are almost 200,000 veterans living in Mississippi, including approximately 60,000 of our sons and daughters who served during the Vietnam era; and
WHEREAS, these Mississippi veterans heard the call of duty, stepped in, and served relentlessly and nobly in a brutal war. This was a war that has seldom received the attention it deserves, and now, half a century later, we honor our Vietnam veterans and offer them the proper respect of a grateful state and nation; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the brave men and women who served with dignity and honor during this historic time period and during what was, at the time, the longest war in our country's history, let us remember them and thank them for their service:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of United States combat operations and the release of American Prisoners of War in Vietnam, and further call upon the people of our great state to join us in honoring and expressing our gratitude to all who valiantly served our nation during the Vietnam War, and to their families and loved ones.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Len Vernamonti, as a National Director of the Air & Space Forces Association, for appropriate distribution, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.