On Thursday, March 29, 2012, City Councilman David Oh presented a council resolution recognizing Vietnam Veterans for their service and sacrifice.
The resolution recognizes the 25th Anniversary of the dedication of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Penn’s Landing and notes March 30 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.
“Vietnam Veterans made extraordinary sacrifices in defense of freedom at a time when most Americans just wanted to forget about the conflict,” noted Councilman-At-Large Oh. “While that sentiment of military service no longer holds, the recognition that all of us veterans get today has its roots in the dignified and purposeful way the service members of that era carried out their duty.”
The resolution, which was presented to Terry Williamson, President of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, notes that the Memorial “has served as a gathering place for countless veterans to share camaraderie and reflect on all who have served.” Williamson accepted the resolution on behalf of the Memorial Board, the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society and other Veterans’ organizations.
The Memorial, which honors the sacrifice of 646 Philadelphians, will mark the 25th anniversary on October 26-27 with candlelight vigil, a parade and dedication ceremony.
The recognition of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day is in keeping with the designation of that day by the U.S. Senate.
In attendance at the event was the Honor Guard from the Philadelphia Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association, of which Councilman Oh is Chairman, along with members of a variety of Veterans’ organizations throughout Philadelphia.
