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State News
Vietnam Veterans Day
March 29
The Vietnam War, originally known as the Second Indochina War, began in September
1959. The United States entered the war when it deployed troops to Vietnam in 1965.
A classic struggle between those purveyors of communism and those of democracy, the
Vietnam War raised many doubts, fears, and questions among the American people, who
were deeply divided on the issues of this war. Never has this country protested so loudly
opposing a war, with rallies and protests being held at many universities and cities from
sea to sea. The war ended for America on April 30, 1975 as a final airlift took place from
the roof of the American embassy in Saigon. Regardless of the Country’s uproar, 165,000
brave soldiers from Wisconsin went to Vietnam, and 1,239 paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The 2009 Wisconsin Act 35 signed by Governor Jim Doyle on July 20, 2009 has
designated March 29 of each year as “Vietnam Veterans Day” in Wisconsin.
2009 Wisconsin Act 35 Signed July 20, 2009
An act to create 14.16 (16) of the statutes; relating to: the designation of Vietnam Veterans
Day. The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact
as follows:
SECTION 1. 14.16 (16) of the statutes is created to read:
14.16 (16) VIETNAM VETERANS DAY. To recognize the 1,239 Wisconsin armed
forces members who are listed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., and
to express pride and gratitude to the veterans of that war, March 29 is designated as the
“Vietnam Veterans Day.” The governor shall issue annually a suitable proclamation for
the observance of “Vietnam Veterans Day” and request that some portion of the day be
used to recall the Vietnam veterans’ accomplishments and to thank those veterans for
their service during that war.
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