HLS 15RS-49 ORIGINAL
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 43
BY REPRESENTATIVE EDWARDS
SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Recognizes November 13, 2013, through November 11,
2025, as the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War
1 A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
2To recognize November 13, 2013, through November 11, 2025, as the commemoration of
3 the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.
4 WHEREAS, in observance of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, it is
5important as a nation and state that we reflect upon the valor of a generation that served with
6honor and although long and controversial in nature, this war in many ways defined an entire
7generation of Americans; and
8 WHEREAS, although American involvement in the conflict of Vietnam spanned
9several decades and presidencies, the ground offensive officially began in March of 1965,
10with the deployment of 2,500 Marines and by the end of that year, nearly 200,000 American
11troops were in Vietnam. The strength of the Allied Armed Forces peaked at 543,482 troops
12during the Vietnam war; and
13 WHEREAS, we draw inspiration from our Louisiana heros who suffered unspeakable
14tragedies. Approximately 153,303 veterans suffered nonmortal wounding, 14 were held as
15Prisoners of War, and 24 remain unaccounted for; and
16 WHEREAS, by the official end of the Vietnam War in April of 1975, nearly three
17million American servicemen and women had been on the ground, in the air, on the rivers,
18and at sea within Vietnam's borders serving in some capacity during the conflict. As a
19grateful nation, we honor more than 58,000 patriots who paid the ultimate sacrifice during
20this difficult and painful period; and
Page 1 of 2 HLS 15RS-49 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 43
1 WHEREAS, of the 7,391,000 Vietnam veterans, the United States Department of
2Veterans Affairs estimates that roughly 106,148 reside in Louisiana. In the half century
3since the official beginning of the Vietnam War, our nation has grappled with the sensitive
4effects of this struggle which accompanies all wars. Yet, we remain thankful to those who
5fought in this conflict and honor the legacy of service that they built; and
6 WHEREAS, the freedom and liberties we are blessed to enjoy today are a direct
7result of the courage, devotion, and sacrifice of the members of our Armed Forces. We are
8grateful for their brave service and draw inspiration and pride from all that they are.
9 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana hereby
10recognizes November 13, 2013, through November 11, 2025, as the commemoration of the
1150th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HCR 43 Original 2015 Regular Session Edwards
Recognizes Nov. 13, 2013, through Nov. 11, 2025, as the commemoration of the 50th
Anniversary of the Vietnam War.
Page 2 of 2