HR0346 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0346 LRB099 11813 MST 33747 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The United States became involved in the conflict between North and South Vietnam in 1961 as an advisor to South Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, United States involvement increased over the following decade; many citizens were called up and drafted to serve in the military, including many Illinoisans; and

WHEREAS, Fifty years ago, on March 8, 1965, 3,500 United States Marines were deployed as the first U.S. ground combat troops to enter the conflict, and by the end of that year, there were almost 200,000 ground troops in Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, The number of U.S. troops in Vietnam had doubled by the end of 1966 and reached almost 500,000 by the end of 1967, with American troops dying at a rate of approximately 100 per week; and

WHEREAS, More than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives in Vietnam and more than 300,000 members of the Armed Forces were wounded, including nearly 3,000 Illinoisans killed or listed as missing in action; and

WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who served bravely and faithfully for the United States during the Vietnam War, upon returning home, were caught up in the crossfire of public debate about the involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, On the 50-year anniversary of the start of American ground combat in Vietnam, soldiers who returned home are still in many ways not given the credit that they are due, and those who fought, bled, and died for our country deserve proper recognition and appreciation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we stand united in our strong support of all military personnel who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War, no matter the political affiliation and disagreements over the Vietnam War, and call on all Illinoisans to show that support to all those who wear the uniform; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we offer our heartfelt gratitude to all Vietnam veterans on the 50th anniversary of ground combat in Vietnam and we urge communities across the State to consider appropriate expressions of support and recognition for Vietnam veterans living in their midst; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Illinois Vietnam Veterans of America.