Rep. Briggs advocates for Vietnam War Remembrance Day

AUGUSTA –- A bill sponsored by Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, to designate March 30 as Vietnam War Remembrance Day was signed into law recently.

“I am thankful that my colleagues and the governor joined me in supporting a long-overdo acknowledgement of the Vietnam War,” said Briggs. “The Vietnam War had many negative effects on the United States, and on Maine people. There is a lot of hurt and a need for understanding.”

With Gov. Paul Lepage’s signature, Maine will now recognize Vietnam War Remembrance Day similar to national days of remembrance such as the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and Victory in Europe Day.

“I am happy to sign this bill into law declaring March 30 Vietnam War Remembrance Day in the State of Maine,” Lepage said. “The men and women who served our nation in Vietnam have earned our respect and recognition as much as any service member before or after them have. This law declares, on behalf of a grateful State, thank you, and job well done.”

The Vietnam War was viewed as the first foreign war in which the US combat forces failed to accomplish their goals. Soldiers returned in the midst of angry anti-war protests that often placed blame on the individual soldiers. Approximately 58,000 Americans died in the Vietnam War.

Briggs worked with veterans and veteran’s groups to amend the original bill from a day honoring Vietnam veterans specifically to a day of remembrance. Many veterans did not want to be singled out for their own veteran’s day.

Remembrance Day Photo:

Rep. Sheryl Briggs looks on as Gov. Paul LePage signs a bill into law to designate March 30 as Vietnam War Remembrance Day in Maine.