Rep. Lipinski to Honor Vietnam Veterans at Lemont VFW Saturday

In a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives Tuesday, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) honored the more than three million Americans who served in the Vietnam War.  This weekend, Lipinski will join over 50 veterans at Lemont VFW Post 5819 to observe Vietnam Veterans Day, and pay tribute to these brave Americans who were called to serve during one of our nation’s longest and most difficult conflicts. 

“Lasting more than a decade, Vietnam defined a generation,” Rep. Lipinski said.  “Over 58,000 Americans were killed, and those who did return home were not treated as the American heroes they are.  In recent years, I’m grateful that most Americans have been able to put aside their opinions about specific military missions and have an unwavering commitment to our courageous men and women operating in dangerous places around the world.”

Lipinski stated that Vietnam Veterans Day is meant to reaffirm our respect and gratitude for those that served our nation in that war and show a generation of soldiers our immense gratitude.  He asked colleagues to join him in participating in events not just this weekend, but every day, because that is what our Vietnam veterans, and all our veterans, deserve.

“Even 40 years later, it is important to veterans, especially Vietnam veterans, to know that there are people in Washington such as Congressman Lipinski that still care about them and are looking out for their best interests,” said Lemont VFW Post 5819 Commander Bill Ward .  “During his years in office, he has shown a true commitment to veterans’ rights, from MIA/POW issues, to the VA backlog, to having a staff member dedicated to specific veterans-related questions and concerns.”

Lipinski will be the keynote speaker at this Saturday’s Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony.  The event begins at 1 p.m. at Lemont VFW Post 5819, located at 15780 New Avenue. All Vietnam Veterans are welcome to attend, and need not be a VFW Member.