The anguish they suffer, as well as their families, is indescribable. It is in their collective honor that I support two pieces of legislation. We honor them because it was their blood, their resolution, and their love of country that became infectious and spread from one generation to another. The Honor Vietnam-era Armed Forces Act recognizes the service and sacrifices by members of the Armed Forces and federal civilian employees who, during the Vietnam era, served proudly to protect those in need. This measure also honors the sacrifices and hardships endured by the families of individuals who lost their lives or remain unaccounted during this tumultuous era.
Veterans are the unsung heros who define our American heritage.
They are ordinary citizens who answered their call to duty and fought for something they believed in. They remember the places they were stationed, their training, and they certainly remember their days in combat. It is an experience the rest of us can only read about and marvel. Although we can never adequately express our thanks to those who could not return to us, we remember them by supporting the legislation before us today.