41 years after, Texas now has Vietnam Veterans Monument
by David Scott, Michael Aaron
kxan.com
March 29, 2014
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s been a long time coming, but on the grounds of the state Capitol Saturday, the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument is now in place.
About 500,000 Texans served in Vietnam, and 3,417 died there. Just more than 100 Texas remain missing in action today. The number of Texas casualties in that war are only exceeded by California.
The dedication comes 41 years to the day that the last American combat troops left Vietnam and nine years after the effort to bring such a memorial to Texas began.
Gov. Rick Perry accepted the monument on behalf of the state at the public ceremony. A tribute was made to the 3,417 Texans who died or are unaccounted for.
Several thousand veterans and their families were expected at the ceremony. In addition to Gov. Perry, speakers include U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson of Dallas, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and State Senator Juan Hinojosa. Lieutenant General Mick Kicklighter, Director of the United States 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War will also be in attendance.
“This nation sent our men to war, Texas welcomes them home and says thank you for your service,” said Veteran Lt. General Mick Kicklighter while speaking at the event.
The centerpiece of the monument is five infantry figures surrounded by panels depicting: women who served, air power, blue water navy, brown water navy, artillery and helicopter forces. Another panel symbolizes the people and military of South Vietnam.
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