HJ0015 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0015 LRB101 07516 MST 52560 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In the late 1950s and early 1960s, United States military personnel began serving as military advisors to the South Vietnamese military in their conflict with North Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, As the Vietnam War escalated over the subsequent decade; Americans, including many Illinoisans, were called to join the war as the United States implemented a military draft; and

WHEREAS, As the war continued, over 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces would lose their lives and more than 300,000 were wounded; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 3,000 Illinoisans were killed or listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, Upon returning home, those who served in Vietnam were met with a vigorous public debate about the involvement of the United States in the war; and

WHEREAS, As these veterans returned home, many of them were not given the credit and support they deserved for dutifully serving their country; many were met with vigorous protests and condemnations and received widespread insults by opponents of the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, While service members returning home following World War II and the Korean War were met with homecoming celebrations, veterans returning from Vietnam were met with strong opposition that was directed at them rather than the appropriate decision makers in Washington; and

WHEREAS, Many who returned home from the battlefield were spit on, called killers, and ignored by the American public at a time when they needed the support of their fellow citizens; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we stand united in our strong support of all military personnel who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War and offer our heartfelt and sincere apology to all Vietnam veterans who were mistreated after returning home from their service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we declare November 1, 2019 as "Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge all Illinoisans to show support and gratitude to all Americans who have worn the uniform of the United States and who put their lives in danger to defend our freedoms; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the Governor and the Secretary of State to instruct that all flags within their purview be lowered to half-mast on November 1, 2019 as a sign of respect to all Vietnam veterans; and be it further

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