P R O C L A M A T I O N
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WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
WHEREAS, our Nation’s Vietnam War Commemoration gives us the opportunity for all Americans to recognize, honor, and thank our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices during the Vietnam War from November 1, 1955 – May 15, 1975; and
WHEREAS, over 9,000 organizations across America have joined with the Department of Defense as a Commemorative Partner to honor our Nation’s Vietnam Veterans, including all 132 Chapters of the Virginia State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution; and
WHEREAS, this commemoration includes 9 million Americans, with approximately 7.2 million of them living today, and makes no distinction who served in-county, in-theater, or were stationed elsewhere during those 20 years – all answered the call of duty; and
WHEREAS, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert A. McDonald has designated March 29, 2016, the last day that U.S. troops were on the ground in Vietnam, as a day to honor those who have “borne the battle,” and to extend gratitude and appreciation to them and their families;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Libby Garvey, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2016 as
WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
and that it shall be observed during the last week of March each year.