82R5887 JGH-D
By: Munoz, Jr. H.C.R. No. 56
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Proud South Texas veterans of the Vietnam War are
being officially welcomed home at the LZ:RGV event at the McAllen
Convention Center on April 9, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Short for "Landing Zone: Rio Grande Valley," the
event honors the service and sacrifice of the South Texans who were
among the 2.59 million Americans who served in Vietnam; during that
conflict, more than 58,000 Americans died, including 3,400 from
Texas, and over 300,000 were wounded, including 75,000 who were
severely disabled; approximately 2,000 Americans are still listed
as missing, and hundreds spent time as prisoners of war; and
WHEREAS, These brave men and women served with honor and
distinction at a time when the nation was divided in its support of
the war; returning home, they were caught in the crossfire of debate
and protest and never received the recognition that they deserved;
and
WHEREAS, In order to rectify that omission, a coalition of
groups in South Texas has come together to organize, promote, and
host a long overdue tribute for the region's veterans; sponsors
include Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia, the American Legion, the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Veterans Alliance, the cities of
McAllen and Edinburg, The Monitor and the Rio Grande Guardian,
Total Imaging Solutions, and Entravision Communications; and
WHEREAS, The LZ:RGV event will include a dedication ceremony
for the Veterans War Memorial of Texas, lectures, a keynote
address, and a concert; visitors may also learn about the war and
its veterans from information booths, a portrait gallery, exhibits,
and documentaries; and
WHEREAS, Citizens of this state and nation owe our brave
Vietnam veterans an eternal debt of gratitude, and the LZ:RGV event
in McAllen will celebrate those South Texans who served and came
home and will pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate April 9, 2011, as LZ:RGV Welcome Home South Texas
Vietnam Veterans Day and extend to the event's organizers,
supporters, and participants sincere best wishes for a meaningful
and memorable day.