Aiken Times

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Jason Crow (D-CO), Young Kim (R-CA), and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) introduced a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the homecoming of United States prisoners of war (POWs) from Vietnam and recognizing their service and sacrifices.

     The resolution also expresses Congressional approval for an awards ceremony of the 50thanniversary to be held at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California. 

     More than 2.7 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces served in the Vietnam War, and approximately 766 were taken as POWs. In 1973, 591 of those prisoners were released by the North Vietnamese, while over 110 died in captivity. The remainder are considered missing in action.

     “As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, and a veteran of both the U.S. Army Reserves and South Carolina Army National Guard, I am grateful to join my bipartisan colleagues in introducing this resolution recognizing those brave Vietnam War veterans on the 50th Anniversary of their return to the U.S. after becoming prisoners of war.  This nation will always remember the sacrifices these heroes made and never forget those that have yet to return,” said Rep. Wilson.

     “More than two million US troops served in the Vietnam War, and over 760 of those servicemembers were taken captive as prisoners of war. Fifty years ago, many of those POWs came home,” said Rep. Crow. “As an Iraq and Afghanistan combat veteran, I join my colleagues in celebrating their return as well as remembering those who never came home, including the more than 58,000 Americans killed and over 1200 still missing in action.”

     “Our Vietnam-era veterans answered the call to serve in our nation’s uniform and defend our freedoms we hold dear, but unfortunately did not often receive the recognition they deserved. As a wife and sister to U.S. Army veterans, supporting our veterans is personal to me,” said Rep. Kim. “I am proud to join Rep. Wilson to show our gratitude to our Vietnam-era veterans and POWs 50 years after the last U.S. troops left Vietnam. As the representative of Yorba Linda, I am thrilled we can host the ceremony recognizing them at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. I will always fight to protect the benefits our veterans and their families have earned as we honor them and their service.” 

     “The brave servicemembers of the Vietnam War did not, and often still do not, receive the recognition and respect for their service and sacrifice that they deserve. With this resolution, we are coming together to honor the resilience, courage, and sacrifice of our fellow Americans that were taken as prisoners of war. Fifty years later, we remember their bravery and repatriation while honoring those who never came home,” said Rep. Sherrill. “As a veteran, I will always fight for the proper support, treatment, and recognition of our servicemembers and veterans.”

     A companion bill in the Senate is being led by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). 

     Read the full bill here.

Original source can be found here.