It was my honor to take part in this year’s Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day event. Having served in the Marine Corps for 28 years, I had the pleasure of serving with many brave men and women who served in Vietnam. I can honestly say that my success as an officer in the Marine Corps was a result of the efforts and guidance of Vietnam veterans who came before me.

Vietnam veterans served our nation in a critical time in history. They stood up to the threat of communism while facing criticism at home but yet they never turned their back on our country or fellow veterans. Today they are the leading voice for veterans rights…they are the giants upon which we all stand today.

Today is a celebration of character and love of our society and I think a lot of it is because all Vietnam veterans have that character and love of society. So, as we look at society today, and see what is being done to help today’s returning warriors, we must understand that it is because we are all standing on the shoulders of Vietnam veterans.

So on behalf of a grateful state and nation “Welcome Home.”

Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day”
http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=16957