March 29, 2023

Vail Recognizes National Vietnam War Veterans Day

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Photo: State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) is with Diane Nadeau, President & CEO Windham Region Chamber of Commerce, and State Rep. Tim Ackert (R-Coventry).

WILLIMANTIC – National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually on March 29, honoring the men and women who served and sacrificed during the longest conflict in United States history. State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) participated in an event at the Eastern Connecticut Veterans Community Center. He joined State Rep. Tim Ackert (R-Coventry) to hand out service medals to Vietnam Veterans in attendance at today’s ceremony.

Reps. Vail and Ackert address Vietnam Veterans on the 50th Anniversary of the conclusion of the war.

“It’s important that we hold these ceremonies today to keep the legacy of our country’s Vietnam War Veterans alive. It’s no secret that the men and women who served in this conflict faced unprecedented turmoil, with little recognition as they returned home. Many veterans of Vietnam, in turn, struggled to get the benefits that they earned while serving our country,” said Vail, the Ranking Member of the legislature’s Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.

For Vail, his connection to the Vietnam War is personal. Three of his brothers, Keith, Brian, and Kevin Vail, all served in Vietnam.

“I’ve experienced what the impact of war can do to an individual, especially after exposure to dangerous chemicals. There’s more to be done to keep these heroes thriving,” said Vail.

Earlier in the year, the Veterans Committee moved forward a resolution, S.J. 12, Resolution Recognizing and Honoring Veterans of the Vietnam War Who Were Exposed to Agent Orange. The resolution was unanimously approved in committee and awaits further action by the legislature.

At the conclusion of the war, over 58,000 Americans had perished in Vietnam, with hundreds of thousands impacted by the exposure to agent orange and additional psychological effects. Their service will never be forgotten.

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