Los Alamos County Councilor David Reagor, left, presented a proclamation Tuesday evening to Linda Alt, Chapter Regent, Valle Grande Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the Revolution proclaiming today, Mar. 29 ‘Vietnam War Veterans’ Day’ in Los Alamos County. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Los Alamos County Council issued a proclamation Tuesday evening declaring today, Wednesday, Mar. 29 “Vietnam War Veterans’ Day” in Los Alamos County. The proclamation was accepted by Linda Alt, Chapter Regent, Valle Grande Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.

The proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, The Vietnam War was officially known as the Second Indochina War, in which a military conflict took place from 1959 to 1975, initially involving military forces of North Vietnam against South Vietnamese forces; and

WHEREAS, in 1962, the United States became involved in support of South Vietnam because American policy makers feared if the South fell to the Communist regime of North Vietnam, the door would open for Communism to spread throughout Asia; and

WHEREAS, in 1965, United States Combat troops began arriving in masse in Vietnam, and by 1969 a peak of approximately 543,000 were “in-country;” and

WHEREAS, on January 27, 1973, hostilities ended with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, the release of all American prisoners of war held by North Vietnam, and the withdrawal of all United States Forces from South Vietnam over the next two months; and

WHEREAS, more than 9 million Americans served in the military during the war, with more than 57,000 from New Mexico; more than 58,000 Americans lost their lives, including 398 New Mexicans, ranking New Mexico third nationally in the per-capita casualty rate; and more than 300,000 United States troops were wounded; and

WHEREAS, March 29th of each year is designated National Vietnam War Veterans Day, to honor veterans who served in active duty in the United States Armed Forces from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, and the Council wishes to show its support for this special commemoration of our local Vietnam War Veterans; and

WHEREAS, Vietnam War Veterans Day is our special way of saying “thank you” to all Vietnam veterans and their families living in Los Alamos and White Rock, applauding their service and sacrifice; we especially recognize former prisoners of war and the families of those still listed as missing in action.

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim March 29, 2023, as: 

“VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY IN LOS ALAMOS COUNTY”