NEWS FROM….

CONGRESSMAN LANE EVANS

RANKING DEMOCRATIC MEMBER

COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS

    U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FOR RELEASE: April 18, 2000

Washington, DC – Noting the 25^th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, Congressman Lane Evans of Illinois, Democratic Leader of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, hailed House passage of H.Con.Res. 228, legislation he co-sponsored. The resolution honors members of the armed forces and federal civilian employees who served the Nation during the Vietnam era, as well as the families of those who lost their lives or remain unaccounted for, or were injured during that era, in defense of United States national security interests.

"Marking the passage of a quarter century since that tragic conflict ended," Evans said, "we are stopping to pay respect for the service and sacrifices made by so many. Some of our best young men and women went through unimaginable conditions, and gave examples of courage and heroism of the finest kind. Many families went through indescribable anguish."

Over 3,400,000 American military personnel served in Vietnam and Southeast Asia in support of military operations in Vietnam. Millions more provided for the Nation's defense all over the world. Countless numbers of civilian government personnel also supported American operations throughout the world. "The willingness of Americans to leave their homes and give what they can for others is a hallmark of our democracy," Evans said.

Evans, who served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam era, has led the struggle for health care and compensation of Vietnam veterans since arriving in Congress in 1983. He is known as a principal advocate for recognition of veterans’ needs stemming from Agent Orange exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and has championed the Vet Centers, benefits processing reform, and funding for veterans health care.

"We are also honoring the sacrifices families have made because of the Vietnam War," Evans said. "It is impossible to imagine what it was like to be informed that your father, your son, or your sister was killed in action. Likewise, those families whose loved one was missing in action have suffered in a way most of us cannot fathom. And still, there are those families who continue to make sacrifices to care for our disabled veterans. All of these represent tangible losses that the House of Representatives wishes to acknowledge."

Evans noted that the resolution suggests May 7, 2000, the 25th anniversary of the war’s end, would be an appropriate day to recognize and express appreciation for these individuals – those who served and their families. "I encourage people," he said, "to show their honor and gratitude through appropriate ceremonies and activities to recognize their service and sacrifice. It would be a good day to volunteer at a VA hospital, to decorate graves with flags and flowers, or simply to talk to one person who gave this Nation so much."