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Executive Proclamation
by
Tony Knowles, Governor
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day formally extends a sincere, warm, welcome
to Vietnam Veterans.
During the conflict, over 300,000 soldiers were wounded, 75,000 disabled, and
58,000 killed. Thousands spent time in prison camps and some are still missing
in action. Fifty-seven Alaskans paid the ultimate price and two Alaskans are
still missing in action.
Vietnam Veterans endured the hardships of war and faced serious challenges of
re-entry and acceptance upon their return from overseas. Despite the challenges
and rejection, the vast majority of Vietnam era veterans continued on with their
lives to become successful, productive members of society and good citizens.
The Welcome Home Day Foundation, founded by a non-veteran, educates the
public about what men and women in the armed forces went through in the jungles
of Vietnam, overcoming stereotypes, and bringing us together as a nation on this
day of honor.
NOW, THEREFORE, 1, Tony Knowles, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby
proclaim October 20, 2000, as:
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to acknowledge both the courage and
sacrifice of Vietnam era veterans and their families, and their achievements as
civilians. We proudly give them the welcome they deserve.
DATED: April 5, 2000
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