Published June 1985 — Download PDF of the original newspaper column
Byrd's-Eye View By U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd Remembering Vietnam Not long ago, America observed the l0th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. It was an anniversary that brought back many painful memories for our country, but it also offered an opportunity for healing some of the scars left by the longest conflict this nation has been involved in since gaining its independence. Some 3.4 million Americans served in the Vietnam war; many of them from West Virginia. More than 57,000 Americans lost their lives, 300,000 were wounded, and 2,400 Americans are still listed as missing-inaction in Southeast Asia. For too long, America tried to forget the Vietnam war. Only recently has our nation started coming to grips with the legacy of this war; only recently have we taken steps to recognize the patriotism and sacrifices of the men and women who served in Vietnam. In an effort to pay tribute to the veterans who served in this conflict, I authored a resolution designating May 7, 1985, the l0th anniversary of the official end of America's involvement in Vietnam as "Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day.'' I am pleased that this resolution was passed by Congress, and that May 7 was chosen as the date for a massive ticker-tape parade in New York City to give Vietnam veterans a long overdue welcome home. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, where I placed a spray of flowers in observance of Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day, is another example of America's acceptance, recognition, and honor of Vietnam veterans. West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in the nation. This fact is nowhere more evident than in the statistics of the Vietnam War, where West Virginia ranked second in the number of participants as a percentage of the male population. America owes its veterans from all wars a debt of gratitude, but official recognition of Vietnam veterans is certainly long past due. I am pleased that I was successful in having one day set aside to honor the patriotism of Vietnam veterans and to salute the memory of those who did not return. June 5, 1985