Doubts raised about proposed Vietnam Veterans Day

COLUMBUS (AP) — A proposal for an annual day honoring Vietnam veterans in Ohio has drawn opposition from one veterans group, shrugs from another.

The Ohio American Legion testified Tuesday against a bill that would designate March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day in the state.

It was on that date in 1973 that the last U.S. troops left Vietnam. Donald Lanthorn, the Legion’s state service director, told lawmakers that March 29 represents a military retreat to many veterans, so the proposed commemoration would amount to a “left-handed compliment.”

While a couple of Vietnam veterans spoke out in support of the bill, Bernie Pontones of Vietnam Veterans of Ohio says most who served in the war feel it’s enough for them to be honored on the current Veterans Day.