Pelosi Remarks at Commemoration Ceremony Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, Veterans and their Families

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks today at the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and honoring the veterans and their families. Below are the Leader's remarks:

"Good afternoon. That's quite an act to follow, isn't it? Music of the era. While they were singing ‘RESPECT', Secretary Hagel noted that in 1968 when he was in Vietnam, that was the number one song of the time. So that, combined with his beautiful, moving story – really, what a beautiful day for all of us. Thank you, Secretary Hagel. Thank you all for being here – Mr. Speaker, Leader McConnell, Leader Reid. Speaking for the commemorative partners, Senator Johnny Isaacson – what a beautiful presentation to set us off this commemorating day.

"Fifty years ago, President Lyndon Johnson signed the order creating the Vietnam Service Medal. Fifty years later, it is our privilege to come together to once more recognize and honor the veterans and families of the Vietnam War – the men and women whose strength and humility and humanity and valor echoes so powerfully through each of the letters that were just read. Highlighting those values is the heart of this 50th-year commemoration.

"As we recognize the courage and sacrifice of these men and women, let us also recognize that we have not done full justice in meeting the needs of our Vietnam-era vets and their families. Let us also recognize the Vietnam vets formed their own self-help grassroots organizations. And I especially want to recognize one in my district, Swords to Plowshares, founded in 1974.

"The decades have healed much of the enmity between the United States and Vietnam – as we mark the 20th anniversary of normalized relations between our countries. As was mentioned by Secretary Carter, many of the Vietnam War veterans and veterans of other wars served in the Congress. We were all very proud when our colleague, Congressman Peterson became Ambassador Peterson, an early ambassador to Vietnam. He had been there before as a tenant of the Hanoi Hilton. So, it was quite remarkable to see him go back as the ambassador. And while we're mentioning heroes, let me recognize Sam Johnson, our colleague, who is a bonafide American hero.

[Applause]

"But as we recognize the time that has passed, let us recall President Lincoln once warned us of the ‘silent artillery of time,' wearing away at our memories of the sacrifices of past conflicts. The passing years must not, cannot dim the honor and bravery of the three million American men and women who answered the call to serve our country in this war a world away. Time will never diminish the sacrifice of the millions of families whose loved ones were fighting in a difficult and divisive war overseas. We will never forget the memory of those who lost their lives and the families of the 58,253 Americans who were killed in the Vietnam War, the tens and tens of thousands who were wounded – or the more than 1,600 mission in action; as has been mentioned anytime any of us goes to Vietnam or interacts with Vietnam leadership – this is a subject that we discuss.

"A moment ago, the band played what Secretary Hagel said was the number one song in 1968. We all remember that – well, some of us weren't born yet, but the rest of us remember that. It is ‘R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - Respect.' It is respect that has brought us all here today; respect that has drawn thousands of people in communities across the nation together for their own 50th year Vietnam War commemorations across America.

"Today, 50 years after the creation of the Vietnam Service Medal, gathered together in the halls of the United States Capitol, at the heart of our democracy, we stand united to express the immense respect and recognition our Vietnam veterans have always deserved. In deed, as well as in words, we must repay this great generation of American veterans who served in Vietnam.

"God has truly blessed America with the men and women who have served our country in uniform – from every era. But today, on behalf of the American people, we say a special ‘thank you' to our Vietnam veterans. Thank you."

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