South Central PA News

Senator Doug Mastriano has introduced a resolution to recognize March 29, 2025, as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Pennsylvania. This initiative aims to honor the sacrifices made by veterans of the Vietnam War.

Mastriano stated, "For too long, our Vietnam veterans bore the weight of war without the recognition and gratitude they deserved. They fought with valor, bled for our freedoms and returned home not to parades, but to protests – a disgraceful injustice that must never be repeated."

The conflict in Vietnam resulted in over 58,000 American service members losing their lives and more than 300,000 being wounded. Many prisoners of war faced severe hardships during their captivity.

"Millions of American families were forever changed – parents lost their children, wives became widows and children grew up without their fathers," Mastriano added. "Their courage, their sacrifice and their suffering must never be forgotten."

March 29 is significant as it marks the withdrawal of the last United States combat troops from Vietnam in 1973. This date symbolizes the end of U.S. military involvement in a challenging conflict.

Upon returning home, many Vietnam War veterans worked towards gaining recognition for post-traumatic stress disorder as a legitimate combat injury and advocated for better services from the Department of Veterans Affairs. They also established organizations like the Vietnam Veterans of America to support fellow veterans and guide younger service members.

Mastriano emphasized that "March 29 is not just another day. It is a day to reflect on the price of freedom. It is a day to educate our children on the valor of those who came before them. It is a day to shake a veteran’s hand, say ‘thank you’ and mean it."