During a recent meeting of the North Dakota House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee, significant discussions centered around House Concurrent Resolution 3005, which aims to honor Vietnam veterans by adding their names to a section of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. The resolution received unanimous support from committee members, highlighting the urgency of recognizing the sacrifices made by these veterans, many of whom are aging and facing health challenges.

Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Lonnie Wong emphasized the emotional weight of the issue, noting the loss of five friends who served in Vietnam since October. He stressed that the families of these veterans deserve to see their loved ones honored while they are still alive. Wong pointed out a specific section of the memorial that has room for the names of 74 veterans, urging swift action to ensure their recognition.

The committee discussed potential avenues to expedite the process, including reaching out to former Governor Doug Burgum and the new Secretary of the Interior. Members expressed a collective commitment to advocate for the resolution, with suggestions to send letters to the governor to garner support for the initiative.

The meeting concluded with a motion to pass the resolution unanimously, reflecting a strong bipartisan effort to honor the contributions of Vietnam veterans. The committee's actions signal a dedicated push to ensure that these veterans receive the recognition they deserve, reinforcing the importance of remembering their sacrifices for future generations.