FLOOR
BILL NO.
31-0160
Thirty-first Legislature of the Virgin Islands
July 10, 2015
An Act commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War
PROPOSED BY:
Senator Justin Harrigan, Sr.
1
WHEREAS, the President of the United States of America has proclaimed May 28, 2012
2
through November 11, 2025 as the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War
3
and have called upon federal, state and local officials to honor our Vietnam veterans, our fallen,
4
our wounded, those unaccounted for, our former prisoners of war, their families, and all who
5
served, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities; and
6
WHEREAS, beginning on Memorial Day 2012, the Federal government began a
7
partnership with local governments, private organizations and communities across the country to
8
participate in the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, a 13-year program
9
to honor and give thanks to a generation of proud Americans who saw our country through one of
10
the most challenging times; and
2
1
WHEREAS, the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War began when regular
2
combat troops were deployed on August 5, 1964, and the war officially ended on May 7, 1975;
3
and
4
5
6
7
WHEREAS, more than 3 million Americans served in the Vietnam War and 58,000
Americans were killed; and
WHEREAS, approximately 1,600 Virgin Islanders served in the Vietnam War, and a
documented 16 servicemen gave the ultimate sacrifice; and
8
WHEREAS, the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War is a living testament of the courage
9
of so many, who, with shared concern and responsive endeavor, exemplifies the valiant tradition
10
of the irrepressible desire for freedom; and
11
WHEREAS, through an avowed commitment to those who served in the cause of
12
America’s freedom, the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War unselfishly
13
advances that spirit of united purpose and shared concern, which is the unalterable manifestation
14
of our American experience; Now, Therefore,
15
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands:
16
SECTION. 1. The Legislature of the Virgin Islands designates March 29, 2015 through
17
November 11, 2025, the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. As such,
18
the Legislature encourages residents and civic organizations throughout the Territory to participate
19
in ceremonies and events honoring Virgin Islands Vietnam veterans.
20
21
BILL SUMMARY
22
23
24
25
This bill commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and encourages residents
and civic organizations throughout the Territory to participate in ceremonies and events honoring
Virgin Islands Vietnam veterans.
26
BR15-0662/June 17, 2015/SLR