Senator Jerry Moran Honors Vietnam Veterans Ahead of Veterans Day

Honoring Vietnam Veterans

• 🇺🇸 This year marks 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, a time to reflect on the conflict's history and its impact on the nation.
• 💔 More than 10 million U.S. service members served between 1955 and 1975, with 58,281 losing their lives, over 300,000 wounded, and 1,545 still missing.
• 🎗️ The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. bears the names of every American soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice, including 626 from Kansas.
• 🏡 Kansas communities also have memorials to honor local heroes who died in the Vietnam War, such as Marine Corps Sergeant Timmy Miller and Army Private First Class Charles Acherson.

The Importance of Respect and Gratitude

• 😔 Many Vietnam veterans did not receive the dignity and respect they deserved upon returning home.
• 🙏 A personal commitment was made to always say thank you and express respect to Vietnam veterans, compensating for past poor treatment.
• 🏛️ As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, the responsibility extends beyond mere thanks to ensuring every veteran is respected and their service recognized.

Keeping Promises to Veterans

• 🤝 There is an obligation to ensure veterans' well-being is a priority and that promises made for their service are kept.
• 🏘️ Vietnam veterans in Kansas and across the country continue to serve their communities by leading businesses, volunteering, and assisting new veterans.
• 🩺 Addressing veterans' needs includes access to quality healthcare, mental health support, and recognition of lasting damage from toxic exposure, such as Agent Orange.

Legislative Progress and Future Work

• 📜 The PACT Act, passed in 2022, aims to improve care for veterans negatively impacted by toxic exposure during service.
• 📊 Since the PACT Act became law, the VA has completed millions of health screenings and processed millions of related claims.
• 🚀 While significant progress has been made, more work is needed to care for and honor Vietnam veterans.

A Message of Gratitude

• 💖 A profound message of thanks, respect, and love is extended to all who served in Vietnam, acknowledging them as heroes whose service will never be forgotten.
• 🏡 The message concludes with a heartfelt "welcome home" to all Vietnam veterans.