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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The United States became involved in the conflict
3between North and South Vietnam in 1961 as an advisor to South
4Vietnam; and
 
5    WHEREAS, United States involvement increased over the
6following decade; many citizens were called up and drafted to
7serve in the military, including many Illinoisans; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Fifty years ago, on March 8, 1965, 3,500 United
9States Marines were deployed as the first U.S. ground combat
10troops to enter the conflict, and by the end of that year,
11there were almost 200,000 ground troops in Vietnam; and
 
12    WHEREAS, The number of U.S. troops in Vietnam had doubled
13by the end of 1966 and reached almost 500,000 by the end of
141967, with American troops dying at a rate of approximately 100
15per week; and
 
16    WHEREAS, More than 58,000 members of the United States
17Armed Forces lost their lives in Vietnam and more than 300,000
18members of the Armed Forces were wounded, including nearly
193,000 Illinoisans killed or listed as missing in action; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who

 

 

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1served bravely and faithfully for the United States during the
2Vietnam War, upon returning home, were caught up in the
3crossfire of public debate about the involvement of the United
4States in the Vietnam War; and
 
5    WHEREAS, On the 50-year anniversary of the start of
6American ground combat in Vietnam, soldiers who returned home
7are still in many ways not given the credit that they are due,
8and those who fought, bled, and died for our country deserve
9proper recognition and appreciation; therefore, be it
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
11NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
12stand united in our strong support of all military personnel
13who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War, no matter the
14political affiliation and disagreements over the Vietnam War,
15and call on all Illinoisans to show that support to all those
16who wear the uniform; and be it further
 
17    RESOLVED, That we offer our heartfelt gratitude to all
18Vietnam veterans on the 50th anniversary of ground combat in
19Vietnam and we urge communities across the State to consider
20appropriate expressions of support and recognition for Vietnam
21veterans living in their midst; and be it further
 
22    RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be

 

 

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1presented to the Director of the Illinois Department of
2Veterans' Affairs and the Illinois Vietnam Veterans of America.