Today is Vietnam Veteran's Day in Minnesota.  On March 29, 1973, the last U S troops left South Vietnam.  America's involvement in Vietnam spanned two decades from the mid-1950's to 1973.  We became involved in an attempt to prevent the Communist regime in North Vietnam from taking over the South.  One out of every ten Americans who served in Vietnam was a casualty.  More than fifty-eight thousand were killed and 304 thousand wounded.  This percentage is similar to other wars, however, amputations and crippling wounds were 300 percent higher than in World War II.  Seventy-five thousand Vietnam veterans were severely disabled.
Upon their return back to the U S, many Vietnam vets were treated horribly.  No warm welcomes, no ticker tape parades, no "thank you for serving our country".  Many were harassed, threatened, spit at and denied employment.  Vietnam vets turned to the strength of each other and formed Vietnam Veterans of America.  They vowed "never again will one generation of veterans abandon another".

Notable Vietnam vets include U S Army General Collin Powell.  Former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura.  Father of golfer Tiger Woods, Earl Woods.  Founder of Federal Express Fred Smith.  Founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial John Scruggs.
Thank you, Vietnam veterans, for your service and sacrifices.

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