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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has joined Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) at the Twentynine Palms Marine Base to sign Assembly Bill 717, which establishes an annual “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 30.

“Our Vietnam veterans fought for our freedoms, kept America safe and dedicated their lives to this nation,” Schwarzenegger said. “We are forever thankful for their unwavering strength and courage while fighting in the Vietnam War. By signing this legislation we join together to express our gratitude, remember their service and say ‘welcome home.'”

AB 717 encourages all public schools in California to observe “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 30 and conduct exercises recognizing the contributions of all those involved in the Vietnam War. The U.S. Census Bureau reports there are 8.2 million Vietnam-era veterans throughout the U.S.

Schwarzenegger,Vietnam

Schwarzenegger,Vietnam

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3 Comments

  1. Thank you Assmeblyman Paul Cook for your determination and desire to create this day in the State of California-I believe that you are also a Vietnam Veteran and that a maximum effort was required to make this all happen. Thank you to Governor Arnold for finally signing this bill. Pleasanton residents please keep your eyes and ears open as there is a plan to have an event to honor the Vietnam Veterans in our area around this date in March of 2010.
    Chris Miller, Vietnam Veteran

  2. Why only Vietnam Vets?

    May I suggest an event for all the Iraq war and Afghan conflict vets who went off way back when it first started? There’s many who didn’t get any “welcome home” either.

  3. OORAH and Thank you Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Assemblyman Paul Cook.

    This is long overdue and very much appreciated by all who know what it was like for these brave men and women returning to their country after the war in Vietnam.

    Semper Fi

  5. On March 20, 2010 from noon to 5pm, we are hosting a Welcome Home and Thank You to our Vietnam Vets at the Alameda County Fairgrounds – Country Plaza area. We are inviting ALL the tri-valley communities to show your support by bring flags, banners & signs to show your SUPPORT of this long-overdue and much deserved THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. For information on how you can get involved or details on the event, please email us on yahoo at vnvwelcomehome dot com. Thank you and hope to see you there.

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