Los Alamos County Councilor Randall Ryti presents a proclamation designating March 29, 2024 as ‘National Vietnam War Veterans Day in Los Alamos County’ to Linda Carol Alt, chapter regent of the Valle Grande Chapter of National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution during Tuesday’s council meeting. Photo by Julie Williams-Hill/LAC

The proclamation, which was read by Councilor Randall Ryti and signed by Council Chair Denise Derkacs, reads as follows:

WHEREAS, the Vietnam War was officially known as the Second Indochina War, in which a military conflict took place in Vietnam 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 an advisory capacity 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, U.S. 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 U.S. Forces from South Vietnam; two months later, on March 29, 1973, the last U.S. Military forces were pulled out of South Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, more than 9 million Americans served in the military during the war; more than 58,000 Americans lost their lives, and more than 300,000 were wounded; and

WHEREAS, more than 57,000 New Mexicans served during the Vietnam War and 398 New Mexicans were killed in action, ranking New Mexico third nationally in the per-capita casualty rate; and

WHEREAS, upon returning home, many soldiers were not welcomed as patriots who dutifully answered the call to military service but were instead met with scorn as participants in a war unpopular with many here at home; and

WHEREAS, March 29, 2012 was initially proclaimed “National Vietnam War Veterans Day” nationwide in honor of our men and women who served during the Vietnam War era, and five years later was introduced as an annual observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim March 29, 2024, as “National Vietnam War Veterans Day In Los Alamos County.”