Bill Text: IL HJR0015 | 2019-2020 | 101st General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Declares November 1, 2019 as "Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day" in the State of Illinois.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2019-10-30 - Adopted Both Houses [HJR0015 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2019-HJR0015-Introduced.html

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, In the late 1950s and early 1960s, United States
military personnel began serving as military advisors to the
South Vietnamese military in their conflict with North Vietnam;
and
WHEREAS, As the Vietnam War escalated over the subsequent
decade; Americans, including many Illinoisans, were called to
join the war as the United States implemented a military draft;
and
WHEREAS, As the war continued, over 58,000 members of the
United States Armed Forces would lose their lives and more than
300,000 were wounded; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 3,000 Illinoisans were killed or listed as
missing in action during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, Upon returning home, those who served in Vietnam
were met with a vigorous public debate about the involvement of
the United States in the war; and
WHEREAS, As these veterans returned home, many of them were
not given the credit and support they deserved for dutifully
serving their country; many were met with vigorous protests and

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condemnations and received widespread insults by opponents of
the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, While service members returning home following
World War II and the Korean War were met with homecoming
celebrations, veterans returning from Vietnam were met with
strong opposition that was directed at them rather than the
appropriate decision makers in Washington; and
WHEREAS, Many who returned home from the battlefield were
spit on, called killers, and ignored by the American public at
a time when they needed the support of their fellow citizens;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE
SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we stand united in our strong
support of all military personnel who served and sacrificed
during the Vietnam War and offer our heartfelt and sincere
apology to all Vietnam veterans who were mistreated after
returning home from their service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we declare November 1, 2019 as "Vietnam
Veterans Recognition Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it
further

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RESOLVED, That we urge all Illinoisans to show support and
gratitude to all Americans who have worn the uniform of the
United States and who put their lives in danger to defend our
freedoms; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we urge the Governor and the Secretary of
State to instruct that all flags within their purview be
lowered to half-mast on November 1, 2019 as a sign of respect
to all Vietnam veterans; and be it further
RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
presented to the Director of the Illinois Department of
Veteran's Affairs, the Illinois Vietnam Veterans of America,
the Illinois Secretary of State, and the Governor of the State
of Illinois.