Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced a resolution recognizing the sacrifice that U.S. combat troops made during the Vietnam War and expressing renewed support for the veterans of that conflict. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam. Thune’s resolution is cosponsored by Senators Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.).
“While the last of our combat forces departed Vietnam on March 29, 1973, veterans of the conflict still deal with the wounds of that war—some of them invisible—on a daily basis,” said Thune. “We owe these heroes a tremendous debt, and it is my hope that my colleagues will join me in renewing our dedication to their care.”
South Dakota has a proud history of answering the call to serve, and Senator Thune is especially mindful of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many in the Vietnam War, including 193 South Dakotans, which is why he is a cosponsor of S. 409, a bill to designate March 29th as Vietnam Veterans Day.
Currently the American Veterans Traveling Tribute is displaying its Cost of Freedom Tribute and Traveling Wall in Hot Springs, and will later travel to Sturgis. The tribute, which features a scale replica of the actual Vietnam Veterans Memorial and includes all of the names inscribed on the wall in Washington, D.C., makes the stories of sacrifice accessible to Americans who may not be able to make the journey to D.C. to pay their respects. Thune encourages South Dakotans who are able, to pay a visit to this moving tribute highlighting the human cost of war and reflect upon the sacrifices that have been made in service to our country.