WE SALUTE YOU: SENATOR MURPHY WILL HOST A DAY HONORING VIETNAM VETERANS IN ALBANY

Nearly three million Americans served in Vietnam, with 58,000 paying the ultimate price to protect our rights and freedoms. They served their country well, but they were not treated well when they came home. There were no parades, no accolades.

Touched by the plight of our veterans, Senator Terrence Murphy has become their voice and advocate in Albany. In recognition of our Vietnam veterans, Senator Murphy will host  Vietnam Veterans’ Day at the State Capitol building in Albany on Wednesday, March 29th. During the daylong celebration, the veterans will tour the Capitol, be treated to lunch, and most importantly, they will have a resolution read in recognition of their service to their country.  This will mark the second annual tribute to Vietnam veterans hosted by the Hudson Valley Senator.

“These are humble men who never hesitated to answer the call to arms to defend their country,” said Senator Murphy. “They fought in an unpopular war and served our country with honor, yet they were often forgotten when they returned home. It will be a privilege to spend time with our veterans, to recognize their bravery and say thank you for their service.”

Joining Senator Murphy to honor the veterans will be Senators Fred Akshar, Thomas Croci, Martin Golden, William Larkin and Robert Ortt. In addition, the Hudson Valley Hero Project, a Dutchess County based not-for-profit geared toward helping local veterans, will also be lending its support for the event.

“I am proud to join Senator Murphy in providing Vietnam veterans another opportunity to receive the recognition they so truly deserve,” said Senator Tom Croci, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs.  “I look forward to building on the success of last year’s event and commemorate their crucial role in our nation’s successful struggle to contain and defeat the enemies of freedom and democracy.”

“Our veterans put their lives on the line and sacrificed so much for this nation,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “When they returned home, they continued to enrich our local communities. That is why it is so important that we give them our support and show our appreciation for their service. I am proud to sponsor this event as a small way to say ‘Thank You’ to our vets.”

Senator Golden said, “I am happy to partner with Senator Terrence Murphy in sponsoring Vietnam Veterans Day. To our Vietnam veterans we say “welcome home” from a grateful nation. Vietnam veterans are true American heroes who embody the meaning of bravery, heroism and courage. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice in the jungles of Vietnam and unfortunately, for many the battle continued upon returning home to the United States. On Vietnam Veterans’ Day and throughout the year we say to all who served our Nation during the Vietnam War, we reaffirm our appreciation for the service of many and vow to never forget,”

“Honoring our Vietnam veterans is not only a privilege it is our responsibility as free Americans,” said Senator Larkin.  “We must always remember the sacrifices made by those who fought and served during the Vietnam War. We must always seek to give thanks knowing many of our service members were not appropriately supported during and immediately following their service.”

For information about Vietnam Veterans’ Day in Albany, contact Senator Murphy’s District Office at 914-962-2624.