Vietnam Veterans Day

Vietnam Veterans Memorial/ Washington, DC
Photo by Jim Bowen/Flickr

The Vietnam War ended 44 years ago today, with the last American troops leaving by helicopter. President Richard M. Nixon later declared that March 29 was to be known as Vietnam Veterans Day.

President Barack Obama issued a similar proclamation in 2012 on the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War starting.

Along the way, 45 of the 50 states as well as Peurto Rico have passed similar resolutions to establish a Vietnam Veterans Day as a way of welcoming home those who were scorned decades ago. Michigan, unfortunately, is one of the few states that have not adopted such recognition.

I want to take a moment to welcome home all of the Vietnam Veterans. Thank you for your service.

And for any of the elected officials who read my blog from time to time, we really ought to talk about the fact that Michigan is one of only five states in the Union that doesn't formally recognize Vietnam Veterans Day as a holiday.