Stowsentry.com - Veterans group opposes day to recognize Vietnam vets

by Marc Kovac

Capital Bureau Chief

Columbus -- A statewide veterans group is opposing efforts to create a special day to recognize men and women who served during the Vietnam War.

Donald Lanthorn, department service director and legislative agent for the Ohio American Legion, told state lawmakers Oct. 13 that establishing Vietnam War Veterans' Day was an "unnecessary gesture."

"Veterans of the Vietnam war are now the largest segment of the war veteran population [and are] no longer in need of special recognition to identify with their period of service," Lanthorn said. "They represent mainstream veterans today, not the obscure fringe group of decades ago when only a few would self-identify themselves due to the unpopularity of their service."

Lanthorn offered testimony before a Senate committee considering legislation that would designate March 29 as a day to honor Vietnam veterans. The bill was offered by Sen. Mark Wagoner, a Republican from Toledo.

Proponents say the date is significant to veterans because it marks the day that the last members of the U.S. armed forces withdrew from Vietnam.

Opponents of the legislation are taking issue with the date selected. Lanthorn said the date is the same as the anniversary of indictments of eight members of the Ohio National Guard for the shooting deaths of four students at Kent State University. It's also the same day that Lt. William Calley was found guilty for ordering the killings in the My Lai massacre.

"Vietnam veterans appreciate the effort to separately recognize their service and their war but do not believe it to be necessary, and most may consider the proposed date a left-handed compliment, at best," Lanthorn said.

Two Vietnam veterans took issue with the comments Oct. 13, saying that 29 other states already have adopted the March 29 recognition.

"The Vietnam veterans returning home to America have yet to receive their recognition or appreciation for their sacrifice to defend and protect the United States," said Jim Rosin, a Sandusky resident and U.S. Navy veteran.

"The public's rebuke of returning Vietnam veterans was exceptional, and a positive response is required in return," added Paul Hauke Jr., also from Sandusky and a U.S. Army veteran. "America failed these men and women at a time when they needed, deserved and often sought our collective support. If we are to truly honor the warriors who wear the uniform that represents our country, then I believe that we should enact this legislation."

Marc Kovac is the Dix Newspapers Statehouse Bureau chief. E-mail him at mkovac@dixcom.com or on Twitter at OhioCapitalBlog. His Capital Blog can be found online at blogs.dixcdn.com/capitalblog/.

1.	Posted by Davesdrb November 7, 2009
	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Davesdrb To: BOZE1104, welcomesb87@yahoo.com Sent: 11/7/2009 12:04:14 P.M. Central Standard Time Subj: 30 November 10 am Rally, the Ohio American Legion does not SPEAK for me, 29 Marc Greetings: 30 November 2009, 10 am, Support Rally for 29 March, Vietnam Veteran's Day legislation SB 87. Please join me with thousands of Vietnam Veterans from across our Nation who will Stand together and make a public statement that the Ohio American Legion does not speak for me. That these attacks by Lanthorn must be addressed separate from SB 87. The Rally, on the East Side of the Ohio Statehouse, The Ohio Veterans Plaza. Please visit site and read about two Vietnam Veterans in 1981. http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/education/capitol_square/ohio_veterans_plaza.cfm The political weight of two Vietnam Veterans Vs The Ohio American Legion is being tested by the Ohio Legislators. They found themselves in this situation because one member of the Ohio American Legion claims he represents ALL members of the Ohio American Legion. The premeditated attack on 13 October 2009 by the paid lobbyist/service director was enough to have the Ohio Senate issue required mediation to include the Ohio Senators, Ohio Department of Veterans Services (Ohio Governor Cabinet Veterans), Ohio American Legion and the two Vietnam Veterans who still have a good idea. The mediation will be ongoing on 30 November at 10 am. The State Commander Ohio American Legion has issued statement that he Stands with Lanthorn. DVS.ohio.gov statement says they agree with Vietnam Veterans Day, without naming date. President Nixon was first with 29 March 1974. Many times a year legislation is passed making a certain day this or that. Without the need of required mediation. Four States have already passed Legislation making 29 March as Vietnam Veteran's Day. These include Tennessee, New York, Minnesota and New Mexico. Thirteen Governors passed Proclamations of 29 March: Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts (2004) The Great State of Connecticut (New 09) The Great State of Nebraska(New 09) The Great State of Washington(New 09) The Great State of Tennessee (New 09) The Great State of Vermont(New 09) The Great State of Wisconsin(New 09) The Great State of Michigan(New 09) The Great State of Florida(New 09) The Great State of Delaware(New 09) The Great State of Alabama(New 09) The Great State of West Virginia (New 09) The Great State of North Dakota (2009) The Ohio Legion NEVER has offered legislation calling for Vietnam Veteran's Day. We can not find any attempt by Ohio American Legion in 1975/76/77/78/79/80/81/82/83/84/85/86/87/88/89/90/91/92/93/94/95/96/97/98/99/2000/ 2001/2002/2003/2004/2005/2006/2007/2008/2009 to ask for this action. For the Ohio American Legion to Stand in the way, of Honoring these men and women who served their country faithfully and courageously during the Vietnam conflict, should read the 1974 President Nixon first Proclamation making Vietnam Veteran's Day on 29 March 1974. By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As America enters its second year of peace after a decade of conflict, it is highly appropriate for us to acknowledge the debt we owe to those veterans who served in the Armed Forces during the conflict in Southeast Asia. The untiring devotion that characterized our Armed Forces during this trying conflict is a tribute to the national character. There are over six and one-half million Vietnam-era veterans, of whom more than two and one-half million served in Vietnam. Despite significant disruptions in their lives and other personal sacrifices, they answered the call of their country and served with great distinction. As a Nation, we have acknowledged our deep respect and admiration by setting aside March 29, 1974, as Vietnam Veterans Day to remember that the honorable peace America achieved came through great sacrifice. Those who served, those who gave their lives, those who were disabled, and those who are still missing in Southeast Asia--and whose full accounting we shall continue to seek--deserve the profound gratitude of their countrymen. For this purpose, the Congress has authorized and requested me to issue a proclamation designating March 29, 1974, as Vietnam Veterans Day. Now, THEREFORE, I, RICHARD NIXON, President of the United States of America, urge the people of this Nation to join in commemorating Friday, March 29, 1974, as Vietnam Veterans Day with suitable observances. I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to arrange for the display of the flag of the United States on all public buildings on that day; and I request officials of Federal, State, and local Governments, and civic and patriotic organizations, to give their enthusiastic support to appropriate ceremonies and observances throughout the Nation. I urge all citizens of every age to participate in the events of this day as one means of honoring those men and women who served their country faithfully and courageously during the Vietnam conflict. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred ninety-eighth. RICHARD NIXON Greetings: IF you agree with President Nixon, please contact following. Welcomesb87@yahoo.com Paul Hauke 419-656-4333, Jim Rosin 419-271-0817, Dave Jenkinson 740-698-0837. Senator Mark Wagoner Majority Whip 614-466-8060, Senator Jim Hughes 614-466-5981. Ohio Department of Veterans Services Phone # 614-644-0898 Fax # 614-728-9498 ohiovet@dvs.ohio.gov