Senator Ortt Participates in Second Annual Vietnam Veterans Day in Albany

More than 50 veterans from all corners of New York State came to the Capitol Wednesday to take part in Senator Murphy’s Second Annual Vietnam Veterans Day in Albany.

Senator Rob Ortt said, "When I came home from Afghanistan there was a group of veterans at the airport to greet us. They applauded and gave us a standing ovation. That was very different from the reception our Vietnam veterans received. It is up to us to make sure that never happens again. This day pays tribute to those honorable men and women and reminds us to never forget their bravery, service and sacrifice made for our freedoms. On behalf of the generation of veterans that have recently returned, I want to say welcome home. We appreciate what you have done for this country and for all our veterans."

Senator Terrence Murphy spoke on a resolution on the Senate floor honoring the many sacrifices made by Vietnam Veterans.

In presenting the resolution Senator Murphy said, "The Vietnam War was a tumultuous time in America. When our brave service members returned home, often with physical and emotional scars, the voices of those who opposed the war, sadly overwhelmed those who supported our troops. Today, on Vietnam Veterans' Day, the State of New York will show our Vietnam veterans the respect and appreciation they deserve, but did not always get when they returned home."

Yorktown resident Eugene Lang served in Vietnam. Drafted into the First Air Calvary, Private First Class Lang was part of a unit attacked by Viet Cong forces In Laos in May 1968. Mr. Lang charged up a hill into the teeth of withering fire and was hit by shrapnel that remains in his leg to this day. Due to a clerical error, it took 44 years for Mr. Lang to receive the Purple Heart he deserved.

"I was part of last year's event. It was an honor to go to Albany again and be recognized with my fellow Vietnam veterans," said Mr. Lang. "When we came home, people in our own country turned their backs on us. However, times have changed. It is rewarding to be honored for the blood I shed and for what we have done."