To acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of veterans of the Vietnam war and formally apologize for the treatment they received upon returning home.

Summary

This joint resolution, H.J. Res. 19, introduced in the House on January 15, 2025, seeks to formally acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of Vietnam War veterans and issue a formal apology for the mistreatment they received upon returning home. The resolution details the historical context of the Vietnam War, including the deployment timeline from 1955 advisory roles to the 1973 withdrawal and the fall of Saigon in 1975, noting that over 58,000 U.S. service members died and over 300,000 were wounded, with many exposed to Agent Orange. It highlights the divisive nature of the war domestically, citing biased media coverage, political attacks, and violent protests that targeted veterans, including incidents such as the bombing of the Army Math Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The resolution resolves that Congress shall: (1) recognize the extraordinary sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and commend their service; (2) urge the President to formally acknowledge the widespread mistreatment as part of the ongoing Vietnam War Commemoration; (3) issue a formal apology on behalf of the American people to veterans and their families for the mistreatment endured during and after the war; and (4) express support for increased education in schools to better reflect the courage and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and the lack of support they received upon returning home. As a joint resolution, it requires passage by both the House and Senate and presentation to the President for signature to become law, carrying the same legal force as a statute once enacted. It does not propose a constitutional amendment, so the standard legislative process applies.

Where Each Party Stands

History