Vietnam Vets have their day of honor

Minnesota Vietnam Veterans had their first official day of honor in the state on March 29, the effective date of a new law signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty two days earlier.

The new law, which commemorates the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam on March 29, 1973, “is one small thing we can do for the men and women who served in Vietnam,” said Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker), who sponsors the law with Sen. Dan Skogen (DFL-Hewitt).

Vietnam veterans came home to jeers because of the unpopular war, and Howes said the law is an effort to raise awareness to the “cost of freedom” and “welcome them home.”

“This is a touching issue because individuals who served in Vietnam weren’t thanked at all. What we need to do is show them how proud we are of them, even though many years have passed,” said Rep. Dennis Ozment (R-Rosemount).

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