Governor Schwarznegger has promised to sign legislation declaring March 30 of every year as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day"
Assemblyman Paul Cook thanked the legislature for passing his bill after a similar bill was vetoed by the Governor last week.
"From day one, my intention was clear – establishing a 'Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day' to honor California's Vietnam veterans for their bravery and sacrifices on the battlefield in serving our country," Cook stated in a media advisory.
Cook emphasized, "This is a special day for Vietnam vets who have been ignored for decades throughout this country. This is a day to appreciate them and the sacrifices they made on behalf of this great nation. How fitting that on 9-11, Democrats and Republicans came together as Californians and Americans to honor our Vietnam veterans.
Schwarzenegger issued the following statement regarding the bill: "Thousands of Californians answered our nation's call to serve during the Vietnam War. They served with honor and distinction, and many courageously gave their lives to protect the freedoms that we as Americans hold dear. Declaring a public day of remembrance with the 'Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day' is an important reminder for all Californians to reflect on the sacrifices and valiant contributions that California's great Vietnam veterans have made for us all."The American Cold War Veterans, Inc. thank the Governor and the state of California for this step in recognizing our fellow veterans.
Now the question is: Will California do the same for Cold War Veterans? These veterans are
ignored and spurned and forgotten. Many people feel that Cold War Veterans are not really veterans, made to feel unwanted and not appreciated.
20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and 17 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union is
too long. It is time to acknowledge the fact that there was indeed a Cold War, lasting 46 years,
and the the U.S. did in fact win. Time to honor these brave and dedicated veterans is now.
Jerald Terwilliger
Chairman, American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
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