ST LOUIS NEWS (stlouismo.com) – Gov. Matt Blunt issued a proclamation declaring today Vietnam Veterans Day and recognized 33 veterans with commemorative Vietnam Veterans Medallions, a program created when the governor signed legislation last year to honor and recognize Missourians who served our country during Vietnam.
“Vietnam War veterans deserve our sincere gratitude and respect for their service defending our freedom,” Governor Matt Blunt said. “Vietnam Veterans Day is Missouri’s way of honoring the bravery of all who served and it is an honor for me to personally recognize many of the brave Missourians who served our country in the Vietnam War.”
The Vietnam War, with hostilities occurring in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, claimed the lives of more than 58,000 Americans including 1,412 Missouri service members. In addition it left many others missing in action or as prisoners of war. Vietnam Veterans Day addresses ways in which we can display our immeasurable gratitude to those who served in the Vietnam War. In addition, Missouri’s support for future heroes returning home is essential to assuring that they are treated with the utmost respect for their service.
To be eligible to receive a Vietnam Veterans Medallion, the veteran must have been a legal resident of Missouri on August 28, 2006, or was a legal resident at the time he or she entered or was discharged from military service or at the time of his or her death. The veteran must have served on active duty in a U. S. military force any time during the period of February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975. Applicants also must have been honorably separated or discharged from military service unless they are still in active service in an honorable status. Vietnam War veterans, or the spouses or the eldest living survivor of deceased Vietnam War Veterans may apply for the award. The award is authorized regardless of whether or not such veteran served within the United States or in a foreign country.
Governor Matt Blunt is a committed advocate for veterans and their families. In addition to signing legislation to create the Vietnam Veterans Medallion, the governor also signed legislation extending the World War II and Korean conflict medal programs so Missouri may continue to honor these veterans and their families.
Following an appalling protest at the funeral of Specialist Edward Lee Myers Governor Matt Blunt sent a strong message that Missouri not only supports our military members at home and abroad but that the sacrifices they make are valued, respected and important to the grateful people they serve. “The Edward Lee Myers Act” protects Missouri families’ right to honor their loved ones and makes it clear Missouri will not tolerate protests that disrupt those who are mourning the loss of a military hero.
Governor Matt Blunt also signed legislation to enact additional protections for War on Terror Veterans to ensure that their jobs, wages and benefits were kept for them during the time they were called to serve our country. The legislation established a state fund to benefit War on Terror veterans who apply for unemployment assistance related to their service and, to help fund that program, established state penalties for employers who violated the law.
Governor Matt Blunt graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served more than 5 years on active duty. He has witnessed firsthand the dedication and commitment that Missouri troops make every day to protect and defend our freedom with visits to Iraq, Afghanistan and the Mexican border.