FRESNO (KMJ) — Governor Jerry Brown has declared Friday March 30th “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.”
It is to honor the nearly 3.5 million U.S. Armed Forces personnel who served during the Vietnam War, and related conflicts, between 1959 and 1975.
“I’m hoping that this will bring a little bit of a sense of recognition,” said Smokey Rickard with AMVETS California. “We’ve been carrying on for so long, and a lot of our veterans have carried on for so long, not receiving the welcome home they were expecting.”
The proclamation (click here to read) references the hidden wounds, stating “to those with medical conditions that are direct results of their service, many experience unemployment, poverty, homelessness and substance abuse.”
“Treatment of our veterans reflects profoundly on our character as a state and a nation.”
An upcoming event at Fresno’s Chukchansi Park is also designed to honor those who served during the Vietnam War. Ahead of the game against Tacoma on April 28th, veterans will be taking part in a procession onto the field.
All Vietnam War veterans can receive two free tickets to the game. Click here for more information.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
