South Central PA News

Senator Doug Mastriano's legislation designating March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Pennsylvania has become state law. The announcement was made during an event at the state headquarters of The American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania.

"Our Vietnam War veterans served our nation with courage, honor and dignity, but they did not receive the welcome home enjoyed by other generations of veterans," said Mastriano. "My father served during the Vietnam War, and I saw how he and his brothers in arms were treated, so this is personal to me."

Mastriano shared a personal story about his father who served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He recounted being shocked when told that sailors were ordered to wear civilian clothes off base to avoid assaults.

President Barack Obama first proclaimed March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day in 2012. In 2017, President Donald Trump signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act which included March 29 on the list of days for flying the American flag.

"Although nothing can undo their unjust treatment, this law honors their service and the sacrifices they made for our freedoms during that dark time in America," Mastriano stated. "This offers our Vietnam-era veterans the thank you from their state they deserve."

The passage of Senate Bill 1160 as Act 124 of 2024 coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Senator Doug Mastriano represents Pennsylvania's 33rd Senatorial District covering Adams and Franklin counties. He chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and is a combat veteran who served in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and was deployed three times to Afghanistan. For more information, constituents can visit Mastriano’s website or follow him on Facebook.

For inquiries: Nate Silcox; 717-787-4651