LULAC Honors Vietnam Veterans
Nation’s Oldest & Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Thanks Our Vietnam Veterans on 50th Anniversary
Washington, DC - Domingo Garcia, National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today issued the organization’s deepest thanks and appreciation in a solemn salute to America’s Vietnam Veterans, on this the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration. “The pain of returning home at a time of strife over the unpopularity of the war subjected our servicemen to undeserved ridicule, insults and even attacks,” says Garcia. “These loyal men and women suffered additional trauma after experiencing the unspeakable horrors of the war in Southeast Asia. Today, half a century later, may we finally recognize that we owe our Vietnam veterans the recognition, honor and an apology for the treatment they endured from an ungrateful nation,” added Garcia.
Vietnam veterans fought for years to secure the benefits they earned for their valiant service. Yet for many, these services were difficult to obtain from the Veterans Administration. To this day, there are still veterans whose injuries have gone unrecognized despite their exposure to chemicals such as Agent Orange. Other forgotten warriors were subjected to decades of obscurity, neglect and denial of benefits because they served in Laos and Cambodia. For them, the battle continued because our government initially resisted recognizing their service.
“Many of these returning Vietnam veterans endured unbelievable rejection and some succumbed to addiction and suicide. However, many more pushed on and their contributions here at home have been immeasurable in business, education, and the arts. We are proud of their loyal service and we honor them on this 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration. To all of America’s Vietnam Veterans, a heartfelt thank you for your service and sacrifice. Welcome Home!” said Garcia.
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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/