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Crenshaw Honors Local Vietnam Veterans

Congressman Recognizes 200 Local Veterans in 8th Annual Ceremony

November 7, 2008

(JACKSONVILLE, FL) – Today Congressman Ander Crenshaw held his annual Veterans’ Recognition Ceremony at Naval Station Mayport.  Rep. Crenshaw was joined by Rear Admiral Michael Vitale, Commander of Navy Region Southeast, in honoring 200 Vietnam veterans from the 4th Congressional District.  

Congressman Crenshaw said, “Vietnam veterans served our country with honor during one of our most tumultuous times as a nation.  They answered the call of duty, but when they returned home many did not receive the recognition they deserved.  Today we pay tribute to these brave men and women that have given their blood and sacrifice in service to their country.”

Since entering Congress in 2001, Rep. Crenshaw has held eight recognition ceremonies, honoring over 2,000 local veterans.

Today’s ceremony included a presentation to each veteran of a Congressional Certificate of Recognition, a reading of Old Glory, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of Taps.  

“I believe honoring and caring for those and their families who have answered the call of duty is the highest responsibility of our nation,” Rep. Crenshaw added.  

Rear Admiral Michael Vitale remarked, “It’s been 33 years since those last helicopters left Saigon.  I know for many of you it still seems like yesterday.  Yet today, thanks to you, all veterans know that their sacrifices are appreciated, and their courage is honored.”

The longest armed conflict in U.S. military history, the Vietnam War claimed the lives of more than 58,000 American troops and wounded another 304,000.  Overall, more than 3 million U.S. troops participated in combat operations from 1965 until the January 1973 cease-fire.  

Rep. Crenshaw said, “Representing a premier military community like Jacksonville makes honoring our local veterans even more meaningful.  Each year that I’ve hosted this ceremony, I continue to be humbled by the stories of courage and duty that so many have lived in defense of their country.”

Rep. Crenshaw sits on the prestigious House Appropriations Committee and serves on the Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee and is regularly involved with military and veterans’ issues.  

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