Monday, March 26, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Marks 25th Anniversary of Memorial; Honors Sacrifices of Vietnam War Veterans
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today issued a proclamation commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and honoring the sacrifices of the soldiers who courageously fought to defend freedom in the Vietnam War.
"We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our veterans who bravely fight for our country to guarantee the freedom we enjoy today," Blunt said. "It is because of the sacrifices of the men and women who have worn the uniforms of our nation's Armed Forces that our democratic way of life stands as a model for all nations."
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or The Wall, was born out of an idea of a wounded and decorated Vietnam veteran in 1979. Jan C. Scruggs served in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade of the U.S. Army and put forth $2,800 of his own money to raise funds for a memorial honoring Vietnam veterans and joined with other veterans in establishing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund that same year.
In 1980 legislation was signed by President Carter calling for a memorial to be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. In 1981 Maya Lin's design was unanimously chosen for the memorial. On March 26, 1982 the groundbreaking for The Wall took place and the first panel was unveiled on July 22, 1982. The Wall stands as a tribute to the more than 58,000 Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Blunt has been a strong supporter of veterans' issues and last year signed House Bill 1491 that called on the Department of Social Services and Missouri Veterans Commission to identify Medicaid recipients who are also eligible for medical services from the Veterans' Administration (VA) and to encourage qualified applicants to take advantage of VA medical services. He also signed legislation that allows homeless veterans to use a post office box or voice mail box of a well-established charitable or religious organization as a substitute address on applications or forms necessary to receive their rightfully earned benefits from the state or federal government.
Last year Blunt signed the Spc. Edward Lee Myers Law to ensure that military families have the right to grieve the loss of their loved ones in peace. The law enacts restrictions banning hate groups from protesting in front of or about any church, cemetery, or funeral establishment within one hour before and one hour following any funeral service. He also signed legislation expanding the law to make it a crime to picket or protest at any location where a funeral is held one hour before and one hour after a funeral.
Blunt is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and currently serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserves.