Senate honors Vietnam veterans, urges observance of March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day
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Summary
The New York State Senate adopted a resolution recognizing March 29, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Day, welcomed veterans to the chamber and featured tributes from members who urged continued support and services for veterans.
The New York State Senate on March 24 adopted Resolution 14-10 recognizing March 29, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Day and welcomed veterans and their families to the chamber.
Sen. Harckham, who sponsored the resolution, told colleagues that “when they returned home, they were not welcome back as veterans from past wars were,” and said the recognition seeks to honor their service and sacrifice. Harckham introduced a number of veterans from Westchester, Putnam and the Capital Region, including Michael Bergen, Jerry Whitmore, Guy Hodges and others, and asked the body to pause in its deliberations to salute them.
Other senators recounted veterans’ experiences and emphasized ongoing responsibilities to veterans. Sen. Ashby thanked veterans who were present, including staff sergeant David Demeray and Airman First Class Jim Wendt, and read a letter from a fallen service member; Sen. Ryan and Leader Stewart Cousins spoke about family military service and the duty of lawmakers to support returning service members. Several senators urged that observance be accompanied by legislative attention to veterans’ services and facilities.
The resolution was announced as previously adopted, and the chamber extended the privileges and courtesies of the Senate to the veterans in attendance. The body proceeded to other calendar business after the recognition.
