Representative Joe Neguse, a Democrat who represents Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, is welcoming Vietnam veterans back to the home they didn’t have when they returned from the war 50 years ago.
The assistant minority leader of the U.S. House held a Congressional Remembrance Ceremony in Longmont on Saturday, where he presented pins and certificates to about 30 local veterans, including Purple Heart recipient Terry Rizzuti.
The former marine was the main speaker of the programme. Like many Vietnam veterans, he was faced hostility and contempt When he came home from the war. It was not until he began writing that he was able to process the anger and pain. He says one of his books is now taught in five universities.
“My work may be a small drop in the big bucket of all that is available through war research material, but by God, it’s my drop and I’m proud of it,” Rizzuti told CBS Colorado last year.
Neguse says what happened to Vietnam veterans is a stain on our country and he wants to set the record straight.
“We’re here to say the ‘thank you’ you should have received when you first came home. And we’re here to offer our deepest apologies that it took so long to this point for you to get the respect you deserve. ,” he said in a prepared statement.
The Congressman says this ceremony is an opportunity not only to honor veterans but also to connect them with the services. He has introduced several bills to fund programs that help veterans with everything from housing to health care and job training.
In December, President Biden signed Neguse’s Mental Health for Military Families Act into law, which expands access to counseling and mental health services for military families.
shaun boyd
