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A number of Vietnam veterans, as well as members of the Covington Veterans Foundation (CVF) board were on hand Tuesday for the signing of a resolution in support of Vietnam National Memorial Day, which is on Friday, March 29.

The Resolution says:

“Whereas, more than 100,000 Alabama citizens answered the call to serve our nation during the Vietnam War. Of those Alabamians who served in Vietnam, approximately 1,213 lost their lives and thousands were wounded; and

“Whereas, upon the conclusion of their service, Vietnam veterans returned home to a country deeply divided over the war. Their service was not met with gratitude and pride, but with protests and disrespect; and

“Whereas, despite these challenges, the brave men and women of the armed forces returned from service as experienced and knowledgeable veterans who gave back to their communities; and

“Whereas, it is our duty to honor the men and women who served in Vietnam who risked their lives and sacrificed years away from their families; and

“Whereas, we must also remember and pay tribute to the approximately 58,000 Americans who lost their lives in service to our nation, and the hundreds who are still missing in action; and

“Whereas, nothing that we say or do can repay our Vietnam veterans for the wounds they endured, or the pain and sacrifice they continue to live with today because of their service; and;

“Whereas, we owe each of these men and women a debt of gratitude, as well as their families who endured sacrifice, separation and anguish.

“Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the City Council of Andalusia, Alabama, and all of its citizens, do hereby recognize Friday, March 29, 2024, as Vietnam Memorial Day and join others across the nation in recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, which continues through November 11, 2025.”