LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System
upon the occasion of hosting its commemoration of the 50th Anniversary
of the Vietnam War on June 20, 2016

WHEREAS, Thousands of military personnel from the great State of New
York have served their country faithfully and courageously, with dedi-
cation and sacrifice, and are due the praise and just recognition of
this Legislative Body for their role in defense of our Nation's liberty
and freedom; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the VA Hudson
Valley Health Care System upon the occasion of hosting its commemoration
of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War on Monday, June 20, 2016, at
the FDR Campus, Montrose, New York; and
WHEREAS, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was
formed to honor veterans of the Vietnam War and their families, as well
as to highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War
and the contributions of agencies and organizations that served with, or
in support of, Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, In this 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) has partnered with the Department of Defense
(DoD) to recognize and thank Vietnam Veterans for their service and
sacrifices to our Nation; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, VA medical facilities across the system will
host events to thank and honor our Vietnam Veterans and their families
for their service and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, As our State and Nation observes this 50th Anniversary , we
reflect with solemn reverence upon the valor of a generation that served
with honor, and pay tribute to the more than three million servicemen
and women who left their families to serve bravely, a world away from
everything they knew and everyone they loved; and
WHEREAS, From Ia Drang to Khe Sanh, from Hue to Saigon and countless
villages in between, these brave soldiers pushed through jungles and
rice paddies, heat and monsoon, fighting heroically to protect the
ideals we hold dear; and
WHEREAS, Through more than a decade of combat, over air, land and sea,
these proud Americans upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces;
and
WHEREAS, In recognition of a chapter in our State and Nation's history
that must never be forgotten, we renew our sacred commitment to those
who answered our country's call in Vietnam and those who awaited their
safe return; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved with great respect and rever-
ent esteem, and, on behalf of all of the citizens of the Empire State,
to renew its tribute to the men and women of New York State who so cour-
ageously served their State and Nation during the Vietnam War in defense
of freedom and democracy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System upon the occasion of host-
ing its commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War on June
20, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, Montrose, New York.