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VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release
April 1, 2005
No. 05-005

Contact:
Mokie Porter
(301) 585-4000 Ext. 146
(301) 996-0901

Veterans Gather to Commemorate 30th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War

(Washington, D.C.)  "The proposed budget for the medical programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs is not adequate to meet the needs of veterans, especially now that thousands of new veterans are returning with physical as well as severe psychological wounds," said Thomas H. Corey, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).
"We believe that April 30, the 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, is the right time to call attention to the fact that 30 years after the end of that war, veterans of all eras are still battling to preserve the benefits they have and assure adequate funding for veterans health care," Corey continued.

VVA will hold two events commemorating the 30th anniversary. One will honor all who served during the Vietnam War as well as those who have died as the result of their military service; the other will bring home to the American people the need for a new system of funding veterans health care.

At 3 p.m., at the Upper Senate Park on Capitol Hill, VVA will lead a Rally for Veterans Health Care. This rally will have a dual purpose, said Corey. "First, to stress that we will never forget the service and sacrifice of all of our veterans.

Second, the urgent need to put in place a system that will guarantee that the VA will be assured the funding it needs to provide vital medical services to our nation's veterans, Corey said.

At 6 p.m., on the East Knoll near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, VVA will hold a solemn ceremony honoring those who paid the ultimate price during the long years of the Vietnam War.

We are noting the anniversary of a difficult and turbulent time for this country and using this occasion to help make America aware that supporting our troops and taking care of them as veterans are two separate issues, Corey said.

However, it is equally important that the American people honor their solemn obligation to safeguard the health and well-being of those veterans, who have sacrificed so much to protect us, Corey said.

The public is invited to attend both events.