Gov. M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has signed legislation designating March 30 of every year “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” a special day to honor veterans who served in the Vietnam War.
Substitute House Bill 5352, An Act Proclaiming March 30th to be “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” passed unanimously in both the state House of Representative and the state Senate.
“The deep divisions within our nation at the time of the Vietnam War were reflected in the way men and women in uniform were treated when they returned from that conflict,” Rell said in a press release Sunday morning. “Few were truly welcomed home – and far too many were actually insulted or abused.
“Fortunately, our appreciation for the sacrifice and service of our Armed Forces has evolved,” the governor said. “Today – no matter where people stand on the current missions, including Afghanistan and Iraq – there is a far wider respect for our troops. I see it in the send-off ceremonies, homecomings and everyday interactions between our military and civilians.
“However, the veterans of the Vietnam era never received this level of respect – and they should have,” she added. “I am proud that this legislation ensures we will give to them the same respect, honor and appreciation we show to the men and women in uniform today.”
Under the bill, “welcome home” ceremonies are to be held annually at the Capitol in Hartford and elsewhere, as designated by the governor, to mark the day.
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I congratulate the state on becoming the second state to pass such a bill. California was the first and in the small hamlet of Sonora, there waws the first ever parade for Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day ever. As a Navy retiree, I salute you for recognizing the Vietnam veterans and giving them the respect they are due.