82R17498 JH-D
By: Vo H.R. No. 1171
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, April 30, 2011, marks the 36th anniversary of the
fall of Saigon and the Republic of Vietnam to communist forces,
concluding a war that had an immense impact on the people of Vietnam
as well as citizens of the United States and the State of Texas; and
WHEREAS, That fateful day in 1975 marked the end of a long and
bitter war, but it did not diminish the courage of the individuals
who fought to defend South Vietnam, including the members of the
Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and the U.S. armed forces; it
is estimated that around a quarter of a million ARVN troops were
killed during the course of hostilities while more than 58,000 men
and women in the U.S. military made the ultimate sacrifice;
moreover, millions of other individuals served valiantly in both
armies, and their contributions deserve to be recognized and
respected; and
WHEREAS, Reflections on the Vietnam War offer a sobering
reminder that soldiers are not the only ones to suffer and die when
armies do battle; a terrible toll was exacted on the civilian
population of Vietnam, and our thoughts go out to the families of
those millions of victims on this somber anniversary; and
WHEREAS, While a great sense of tragedy surrounds the war, it
is fitting to remember that many Vietnamese were able to make a new
start in the United States after being violently displaced from
their homeland by the communist takeover; those individuals
overcame great obstacles to successfully adapt to a new country and
created a prosperous future for themselves and their descendants,
and the State of Texas has benefited significantly from the
contributions of the Vietnamese Americans who have made their homes
here; and
WHEREAS, Though more than three and a half decades have
passed since April 30, 1975, the events that unfolded on that day in
Saigon continue to resonate for countless people, and acknowledging
the bravery, sacrifice, and fortitude associated with the Vietnam
War remains as important today as it has been in years past; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby observe the 36th anniversary of the fall of
Saigon and urge the state's citizens to pay tribute to all those
whose lives were touched by the Vietnam War.