Mar. 29, 2017
HARRISBURG – Recognizing Vietnam War veterans was once a dream for many but has now become the policy of the United States thanks to Harold Redding, a resident of the 196th District, Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover) said.
“For more than two years, Harold Redding, who served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army during the war, has nobly championed the creation of a national holiday to honor veterans of the Vietnam War,” Grove said. “The men and women who proudly served the United States during the war were spit on and horribly mistreated when they came home. They more than deserve this nationally recognized holiday.”
In response to Redding’s efforts, U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced a bill to mark March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The bill was approved by both houses of Congress and was signed into law by the president last night. This makes March 29, 2017, the first national day of recognition for veterans of the Vietnam War.
March 29 was selected as National Vietnam War Veterans Day because it was on March 29, 1973, when the last American combat troops pulled out of Vietnam.
“Senator Toomey took the lead on Redding’s initiative at the federal level and made sure the bill made it to the Oval Office. Toomey deserves a heartfelt ‘Thank you’ for his efforts,” Grove said. “I am grateful President Trump signed this bill in time to officially honor the veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day this year.”
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed a resolution, which Grove voted in favor of, to mark Thursday, March 30, 2017, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in the Commonwealth.
Additionally, Grove will address attendees of the inaugural National Vietnam Veterans Day Candlelight Vigil, presented by the Vietnam Veterans of America’s York Chapter 1032, at the York Expo Center starting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29. The vigil will begin in the Pennsylvania Room and proceed to the Vietnam War Memorial. Redding is the keystone speaker.
Representative Seth Grove
196th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
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