HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano’s legislation marking March 29 each year as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Pennsylvania is now state law. Mastriano (R-33) spoke about the new law during an event at the state headquarters of The American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania.
“Our Vietnam War veterans served our nation with courage, honor and dignity, but they did not receive the welcome home enjoyed by other generations of veterans,” said Mastriano. “My father served during the Vietnam War, and I saw how he and his brothers in arms were treated, so this is personal to me.
“I remember when my father stopped coming home in uniform while he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. I asked him why and was shocked when he told me that his base commander ordered all sailors to change into civilian clothes when leaving base to avoid being assaulted. I could not believe that our service members were treated with such disrespect.”
President Barack Obama in 2012 signed a proclamation designating March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day.
President Donald Trump in 2017 signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The law also amended the flag code to include National Vietnam War Veterans Day on the list of days when the American flag should be flown.
“Although nothing can undo their unjust treatment, this law honors their service and the sacrifices they made for our freedoms during that dark time in America,” Mastriano said. “This offers our Vietnam-era veterans the thank you from their state they deserve.”
The enactment of Senate Bill 1160 as Act 124 of 2024 coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
