President Obama in 2012 declared by proclamation that March 29th would be National Vietnam Veterans Day to honor the 3 million American service members who sacrificed and served during the Vietnam War. 58,000 Americans gave their lives and there were many wounded, along with POW’s and MIA’s who paid a tremendous price in the jungles of southeast Asia. We honor them all and their families for their service to our country. We condemn how some were treated by other Americans when they came home. Our country was torn by the anti-war demonstrators and their efforts to end the war. It was a tumultuous time in our country more than a half-century ago, and while we remain divided over different issues today, we should all come together to pay homage to the brave Americans who answered the call to fight for our values and the liberties denied to a people far, far from home. Pause for a moment longer today when you see our flag, for it shines a touch brighter as we remember those valiant men and women. God bless them all.
I also want to acknowledge Holy Week and Passover, a solemn time for taking an account of our own actions. Along with the coming spring, it is a time for renewal, with love, hope and peace in our hearts. Happy Easter.
