WHEREAS The Vietnam War, which began as the Second Indochina War, was a 20-year military conflict that took place in the southeast Asian country of Vietnam that started in a 1955 as a war between Communist North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam; and

WHEREAS the United States of America became involved in 1962 in an advisory capacity supporting South Vietnam, as the U.S. government feared the defeat of South Vietnam would lead to the spread of communism throughout southeast Asia; and

WHEREAS three years later U.S troops were deployed to officially support the South Vietnamese effort. By 1969, 543,000 U.S. service members were in-country - the highest number of America's soldiers during the war; and

WHEREAS on January 27, 1973, the signing of the Paris Peace Accords brought and end to the war. The withdrawal of American troops commenced, as did the release of American prisoners held by North Vietnam. Two months later, on March 29, the last service members left the region; and

WHEREAS all told, more than 9 million Americans served during the Vietnam era, including more than 2.7 million in southeast Asia. American losses were significant. 58,260 U.S. service members lost their lives, including 2,000 Georgians.

WHEREAS upon returning home from the war, many service members were not welcomed back as honorable patriots who dutifully answered our nation's call for military service. Many wee criticized for their involvement in a war which was unpopular with may of their fellow Americans here at home; and

WHEREAS many states, including Georgia, have observed March 29 - the date of the last service member pullout form South Vietnam - as "National Vietnam War Veterans Day" in honor of the men and women who served in the United States military during the Vietnam War era. In 2017, Congress recognized the date as an official day of remembrance.

NOW THEREFORE, I Kirk D. Raffield as Mayor do hereby proclaim March 29, 2024, as National Vietnam Veterans Day throughout the city of Jasper in honor of all Citizens who served our country during the Vietnam War.

To our Vietnam War era veterans, thank you for your service... and Welcome Home.

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