On July 19, Congressman Delaney published an op-ed on the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War in the Frederick News-Post.
The piece is available online here.
Remembering the sacrifice of Vietnam veterans 50 years later
By Rep. John Delaney
Fifty years ago, in July 1965, President Johnson dramatically expanded the size of the American engagement in Vietnam. Johnson announced on national television that the United States would fight in Vietnam, that the size of the monthly draft would double and that the conflict in Vietnam is “really war.” While we’d been in Vietnam for many years, Johnson’s address is considered by many historians to be the turning point when the United States made a full and irrevocable commitment to war in Vietnam, turning from an advice-and-support position to a direct-combat role.
Recently, Congress commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War with a ceremony in the United States Capitol. The commemoration honored those who served in the war and included military ceremony and remarks by legislative leaders, and the Defense Secretary Ash Carter. The 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War is an important moment in the country’s history, a time to remember the sacrifice of service members and their families and reaffirm our national obligation to provide Vietnam War veterans — and all veterans — with the benefits they’ve earned.
According to the National Archives, 1,014 Marylanders died in service during the Vietnam War. The fallen came from every corner of Maryland, including Frederick County. Official records show that those who paid the ultimate price included men from Frederick, Brunswick, Mount Airy, Thurmont and Myersville. Overall, 58,253 members of the U.S. armed forces were killed in Vietnam and 153,363 Americans were wounded.
Overall, 2.7 million Americans served in the Vietnam War. Of course, they didn’t make that sacrifice alone, their families served with them. Military families faced emotional and financial hardship while their loved ones served in Vietnam. As a parent, I cannot imagine the stress and anguish of having a family member serving in combat, but for military families that pain was all too real. The 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War is also a time to thank them.
Unfortunately, our nation and our government have not always kept the fundamental promise we make our veterans: when you stand with us in uniform, we will stand with you. It may seem unimaginable to young people today, but Vietnam veterans were not always treated with the dignity and respect they deserved in the years after the war. Reflecting on the courage and valor of veterans during the anniversary year is a national opportunity to help heal the wound this left.
The anniversary should also be a call to action. We must continue to upgrade veterans’ benefits and the federal agency that provides them. In recent years, the Department of Veterans Affairs has been plagued by substandard service, as veterans have dealt with long wait times and difficulty receiving the care and benefits they need. This has been an issue in waiting rooms, in processing claims and in access to specialized care. This is unacceptable. As Vietnam-era veterans age, the need has become even greater.
I am proud to be a signer of the Veterans’ Bill of Rights, a bipartisan initiative designed to make sure that veterans are a top national priority. Last year, Congress passed major VA reform legislation. The bill included new funding to hire more staff and expand facilities, while also allowing more veterans to receive care from private, non-VA hospitals. This bipartisan bill also brings more accountability to the VA. The vast majority of VA staff are dedicated professionals. But those that aren’t performing deserve to be held accountable.
I believe that the new Veterans’ Choice Program — which allows veterans to receive private care — should be expanded, and I’ve co-sponsored legislation to do so. We also have to expedite the processing of benefit claims. The Baltimore VA — which serves most Maryland veterans — has had some of the longest wait times in the country. At every veterans event I host, frustration is voiced about the length of time it takes to process claims. The VA simply has to do better, and if you or a relative needs help, please contact my office.
In addition to reducing wait times, we have to improve and expand the kind of health care we are providing. In particular, mental health care coverage has been lacking. This February, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act was signed into law. Tragically, 22 veterans kill themselves each day. This important bill strengthens mental health programs at the VA and establishes federal oversight. Each year a third party will evaluate the VA to make sure that suicide prevention programs are effective. I have also co-sponsored legislation that would provide veterans with fertility benefits, a major need for our younger veterans. They put their lives on the line to protect our families, and they should have the ability to start their own.
Finally, each of my three years in Congress I’ve fought for increased federal funding for Fisher House, a nonprofit that provides free lodging near hospitals for military families. These apartment-style suites have allowed families to be together while our nation’s heroes receive care. But the need is growing, which is why I will continue to push for more federal funds so that more homes can be built.
Earlier this month, I visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. If you’ve ever been there, you know how powerful it is to walk slowly along the wall and to see how the conflict deepened, illustrated by the growing height of the wall. I read a series of names, slowly, reflecting on what they had done for their country and how they had lost their lives so far from home. I also thought about the Vietnam veterans among us, our friends, neighbors and co-workers, I thought again about the sacrifice they made and the struggles many of them currently face. Five decades after the war, I offer my solemn gratitude to all those who served. Your bravery and selflessness will not be forgotten.
U.S. Rep. John Delaney represents Maryland’s 6th District in the House of Representatives.
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