More than 500,000 Texans served in the Vietnam War and while the war is history for some, the healing continues for others. That’s why the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument is being created. In May 2005, during the 79th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Representative Wayne Smith sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 36 authorizing a Vietnam Veterans monument on the Capitol grounds. The estimated cost of the monument is $1.5 million and will be built from private donations with no tax dollars being used. The Monument dedication is anticipated in the fall of 2013.
Some Vietnam War facts: 240 men were awarded the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War. One out of every 10 Americans who served in Vietnam was a casualty and although the percentage who died is similar to other wars, amputations or crippling wounds were 300 percent higher than in WWII. 75,000 Vietnam veterans are severely disabled. 2,709,918 Americans served in uniform in Vietnam. Of the 58,148 U.S. servicemen and women killed in Vietnam, the average age was 23.11 years. 3,415 Texans lost their lives in Vietnam. Vietnam veterans are dying at a national rate of 320 per day.
The service and sacrifice of the Vietnam Veteran must never be forgotten. Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary ask that all citizens help make the monument a reality by making a donation in whatever amount you can. Check and money orders can be mailed to TCVVM c/o Robert Floyd, Chair, 111 Congress Avenue, Suite 500, Austin, TX 78701 or you can go to the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument website at http://www.buildthemonument.org/new_home.html to make a donation or to learn more about the monument. There is also a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-Capitol-Vietnam-Monument/108759622478715.
Marco – Will I get to D.C. about twice a year and the two memorials I awlays make time to visit are the Vietnam Vets Memorial and Marine Corp War Memorial. There is no better tribute for understanding the ultimate price for going to war. I love your statement, maybe every day should be Memorial Day . Those of us who have served and prepared for war, and especially those who have fought in war, fully understand the sacrifice of others, the bonds and brotherhood we all ultimately share. Semper Fi Will.