Austin unveils Viet Nam statue on Capitol grounds, 3-29
Thousands gathered at the Texas Capitol for the unveiling of the new Vietnam Veterans Monument. It's a tribute to those who served, for those who died in action and for those who are still unaccounted for.
The 14-foot-tall memorial is entombed with the dog tags of 3,417 Texans who never returned home. The dog tags were all handmade by an artist.
Vietnam veterans from all branches of the military filled the ceremony alongside their proud family members. Governor Rick Perry, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and San Antonio State Senator Leticia Van de Putte all spoke at the ceremony.
"It will stand as a reminder for what is noble, and for what is good about the human spirit. It will stand as a declaration, that in Texas we understand how blessed we are to have warriors who will step forward," said Gov. Perry.
Veterans in attendance agreed. When veterans returned home from the Vietnam War they were not welcomed. The ceremony took place 41 years to the day that the last American soldier left combat in Vietnam.
"I’m tickled to death we finally got this. It means a lot to me. I’m a sixth generation Texan, and a Vietnam veteran," said Texas resident Vergil Maples
Editor's Note: American troops were officially pulled out of Viet Nam, May 29th, 1975.
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