LANSING, MI (WTVB)- State Rep. Jennifer Wortz this week led the Michigan House in commemorating the end of the Vietnam War and paying tribute to the veterans who served in the conflict.
The House adopted Wortz’s House Resolution 107, declaring yesterday May 15th , as Vietnam Veterans’ Heritage Day. Wortz, whose uncle was killed as a Marine in Vietnam, was joined at the Capitol by her parents and other family members, including another uncle, Steve Ladd, who served in Vietnam.
Wortz said “I grew up in a family and community where we honored all who served, the living and the dead,” She added, “It is our duty as residents of the state of Michigan and citizens of the United States to hold in high regard those who have fought for our country, and especially to honor the sacrifice of those who gave their lives” .
Wortz highlighted the disgraceful mistreatment and ostracization Vietnam veterans received when they came back to the United States.
“Many Vietnam veterans were met with scorn and disrespect upon return due to the controversial nature of the war,” Wortz said. “Few were ever honored or celebrated for their sacrifice. Furthermore, many Vietnam veterans have struggled to readjust to civilian life, suffering from a variety of physical and psychological conditions. More Vietnam veterans have died from suicide than died in combat, with recent estimates nearing 100,000.”
Wortz’s resolution honors Vietnam veterans on May 15, the anniversary of the end of the Mayaguez incident. The maritime incident, which concluded 15 days after the fall of Saigon, is sometimes considered the last combat of the Vietnam conflict, and the names of the Americans who died are the final names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, D.C.
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