SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, R-Morrisonville, joined a bipartisan group of legislators from across the state to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and pay their respects to all who served during a press conference on Wednesday.
Alongside state Rep. Hoan Huynh, D-Chicago, state Rep. Dan Swanson, R-Alpha, Sen. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, and state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, they reflected on the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and end of the Vietnam War. All besides Huynh, whose father fought alongside American forces as a soldier in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, with Walker having participated in the Vietnam War. All shared messages of gratitude and thanks to all who participated in the conflict for their service in-country, and for what they did stateside advocating for more support and resources for veterans after they returned.
“As we mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, I stand with deep humility and gratitude for the men and women I served with, and for all those who answered our nation’s call during one of the most challenging periods in American history. We served with courage and conviction—not for recognition, but out of duty,” said Rosenthal. “Today, we remember the more than 58,000 who gave their lives, and we honor all who came home to a country that too often failed to thank them. Let this long-overdue milestone be a renewed commitment to never forget their sacrifice and to ensure future generations understand the cost of freedom.”
“My father lost friends, family, brothers-in-arms and his country as a result of the war. After the fall of Saigon, he was held captive and tortured for his role in fighting to preserve democracy alongside U.S. forces,” said Rep. Huynh. “But even in our darkest chapter, there was hope: my family made up part of the 900,000 Vietnamese who were eventually resettled in the United States. I am proud to stand here today and thank the men and women who made great sacrifices so that my family and others like us could know true freedom in the land of opportunity.”
“Today, we recognize the honor and dignity of our service members,” said Sen. Walker. “Those who served alongside me in the Vietnam War showed immense bravery and will forever be remembered for their selfless sacrifice.”
“As a fellow Veteran, I understand that service often comes with unseen sacrifices,” said Rep. Kifowit. “We honored our Vietnam veterans not only for their extraordinary courage during an incredibly difficult time, but also for the path they paved for future generations. Their strength, resilience, and tireless advocacy have helped secure the benefits, recognition, and support that today’s Veterans receive. We owe them a debt of lasting gratitude for their enduring impact.”
“More than 58,000 Americans and over 2000 Illinoisans gave their lives in Vietnam.
Today we resolve to remember and honor their sacrifice, along with all those of every
nationality who lost their lives in that conflict which ended fifty years ago today,” said Rep. Swanson. “We also must remember the hundreds of thousands more who suffered wounds, both visible and invisible, as well as the thousands of those who were missing in action and still unaccounted for. We owe them all a debt of gratitude.”
View Rep. Rosenthal’s comments Here.