March 30 , 2009

 

Just a short report this week, and late besides!

I had the honor this past weekend to attend, along with Rep. Doris Goodale and Sen. Ron Gould, three ceremonies in commemoration of Viet Nam Veterans Day in Bullhead City, Kingman, and Lake Havasu City.  As many of you will recall, veterans of this particular war were not welcomed home with celebrations; and many were actually reviled for taking part in an unpopular action.

BHC Mayor Jack Hakim learned of other cities that were celebrating on March 29th, the day in 1973 when the last American troops were withdrawn, and brought the idea to Mohave County.  Then Mayor Les Byrum of Kingman and Mayor Mark Nexsen of LHC quickly joined in.  Last year the three cities held small remembrances, but this year they coordinated the times so many were able to attend all three.  We three legislators were joined by Mayor Hakim, Mayor Nexsen and new Kingman Mayor John Salem in addressing the attendees.  Also featured at all three were color guards from Ft. Irwin in California and Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas.

Entertainer Tony Orlando was an added attraction in Bullhead, presenting songs and recollections at a benefit concert Saturday evening.  He was also the featured speaker at the 10:00 a.m. BHC ceremony on Sunday.

All three events were moving tributes to these veterans, as well as veterans of all wars.  The recurring theme in all the remarks was "Thank you" and "Welcome home," words that most of the Viet Nam vets never heard.  The LHC ceremony was especially well timed, as it coincided with the display of the Moving Wall, the replica of the marble monument in Washington, D.C.  Since Sunday was the closing day for the wall, there were additional activities, concluding with a light ceremony after dusk.

Sen. Gould has introduced a resolution in the Senate requesting Arizona to proclaim March 29th as Viet Nam Veterans Day throughout the state.  With the Senate hearing no bills, it has not received any action.  Doris and I reported on the day on the floor of the House on Monday and read a slightly modified version, noting that we hoped it could still be passed this year.

Next week I'll have some updates on the budget process, which continues very slowly.  Until then,

Nancy

Rep. Nancy McLain
602-926-5051
nmclain@azleg.gov

Nancy McLain, District 3, Arizona House of Representatives
nmclain@azleg.gov or
nmclainbhc@aol.com