MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Witherspoon, Barnett, Blackwell, Browning, Caughman, Clarke, Dearing, DeBar, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Kirby, Norwood, Parker, Simmons (13th), Stone, Wilemon, Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIETNAM WAR AND RECOGNIZING THAT MARCH 29, 2017, IS VIETNAM VETERANS DAY IN MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, as we observe the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, we reflect with solemn reverence upon the valor of a generation that served with honor. We pay tribute to the more than 3 million servicemen and women who left their families to serve bravely, a world away from everything they knew and everyone they loved. From Ia Drang to Khe Sanh, from Hue to Saigon and countless villages in between, they pushed through jungles and rice paddies, heat and monsoons, fighting heroically to protect the ideals we hold dear as Americans. Through more than a decade of combat, over air, land and sea, these proud Americans upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, as a grateful state and nation, we honor more than 58,000 patriots, their names etched in black granite, who sacrificed all they had and all they would ever know. We draw inspiration from the heroes who suffered unspeakably as Prisoners of War, yet who returned home with their heads held high. We pledge to keep faith with those who were wounded and still carry the scars of war, seen and unseen. With more than 1,600 of our service members still among the missing, we pledge as a nation to do everything in our power to bring these patriots home. In the reflection of The Wall, we see the military family members and veterans who carry a pain that may never fade. May they find peace in knowing their loved ones endure, not only in medals and memories, but in the hearts of all Americans, who are forever grateful for their service, valor and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of a chapter in our nation's history that must never be forgotten, let us renew our sacred commitment to those who answered our country's call in Vietnam and those who awaited their safe return. Beginning on Memorial Day 2012, the federal government has partnered with states, local governments, private organizations and communities across America to participate in the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, a 13-year program to honor and give thanks to a generation of proud Americans who saw our country through one of the most challenging missions we have ever faced; and
WHEREAS, while no words will ever be fully worthy of their service, nor any honor truly befitting their sacrifice, let us remember that it is never too late to pay tribute to the men and women who answered the call of duty with courage and valor. Let us renew our commitment to the fullest possible accounting for those who have not returned. Throughout this Commemoration, let us strive to live up to their example by showing our Vietnam veterans, their families, and all who have served the fullest respect and support of a grateful state and nation:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and recognize that March 29, 2017, is Vietnam Veterans Day in Mississippi pursuant to the provisions of House Bill No. 976, (2017 Regular Session).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we call upon federal, state and local officials to honor our Vietnam veterans, our fallen, our wounded, those unaccounted for, our former Prisoners of War, their families, and all who served with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.