KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
In honor of “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following video and statement:
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“The United States became involved in Vietnam because we believed if South Vietnam fell to a communist government, communism would spread throughout the rest of Southeast Asia. The US Armed Forces began serving in an advisory role to the South Vietnamese in 1961, and in 1965, ground combat troops were sent into Vietnam. The Vietnam War was the longest conflict in American history. All US troops were withdrawn from Vietnam on March 30, 1973, under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. In 2010, March 30 was designated “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.
“More than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives and more than 300,000 were wounded in Vietnam. The establishment of a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” serves as a small way to honor the men and women who served our country in Vietnam.
“Our veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam deserve the greatest honor and respect – honor and respect they were denied when they arrived home. We must pledge to never forget the outstanding strength, service and sacrifice of those who fought to defend democracy, human dignity and the right to self-determination. I am proud to join the Antelope Valley and the 25th Congressional District in honoring Vietnam Veterans.
“Welcome home Vietnam Veterans! Thank you for your service.”
