Wisconsin Governor Signing Vietnam Veteran's Day Bill (2009)
Past Gatherings- Bringing Vietnam Veterans together from Wisconsin and Minnesota
It is a time to remember those who are no longer with us.
How the bill came about:
In the first week of April 2008, I came across an article that said- Vietnam Veteran's day bill passes for Minnesota. I found this story about a week after the bill passed. I immediately called Diane Finneman, who made this happen for her state. She had a brother who served and died in Vietnam. This is what motivated her to work on getting a day of recognition. We talked for quite awhile and then she referred me to Dann Dunham, a Vietnam Veteran from Tennessee. Dann along with a Veteran named Ron, passed the bill in their state. It was the first state to pass a Vietnam Veteran Day bill.
In April 2008, I emailed and sent more formal letters to all the Representatives and Senators that oversee our district (which include Vinehout and Kreitlow). I looked up and wrote to other policy makers that were either Vietnam Veterans or who served on Veteran committees. I also hand delivered two letters. One was to Senator Kreitlow (April 2008) at a listening session and the other was to Governor Doyle's wife at a Governor's Luncheon that I spoke at in early May of 2008. I received responses from both the Governor’s office and Senator Kreitlow (May 2008) for their support. Senator Krietlow’s office and I started corresponding about the language that could be put in to the bill and how this should not just be a proclamation, but an actual bill. Having a bill would make it a more formal day of recognition. I also announced the proposed bill at our May 2008 Vietnam Veteran gathering in which Representative Jeff Smith attended.
It is a time to remember those who are no longer with us.
How the bill came about:
In the first week of April 2008, I came across an article that said- Vietnam Veteran's day bill passes for Minnesota. I found this story about a week after the bill passed. I immediately called Diane Finneman, who made this happen for her state. She had a brother who served and died in Vietnam. This is what motivated her to work on getting a day of recognition. We talked for quite awhile and then she referred me to Dann Dunham, a Vietnam Veteran from Tennessee. Dann along with a Veteran named Ron, passed the bill in their state. It was the first state to pass a Vietnam Veteran Day bill.
In April 2008, I emailed and sent more formal letters to all the Representatives and Senators that oversee our district (which include Vinehout and Kreitlow). I looked up and wrote to other policy makers that were either Vietnam Veterans or who served on Veteran committees. I also hand delivered two letters. One was to Senator Kreitlow (April 2008) at a listening session and the other was to Governor Doyle's wife at a Governor's Luncheon that I spoke at in early May of 2008. I received responses from both the Governor’s office and Senator Kreitlow (May 2008) for their support. Senator Krietlow’s office and I started corresponding about the language that could be put in to the bill and how this should not just be a proclamation, but an actual bill. Having a bill would make it a more formal day of recognition. I also announced the proposed bill at our May 2008 Vietnam Veteran gathering in which Representative Jeff Smith attended.
Some time had gone by and I had another event I was organizing. It was an Addiction Recovery Advocacy event. My main speaker was Senator Vinehout. Before Senator Vinehout left the event, she approached me with the great news stating she would take up the Vietnam Veteran's Day bill for me. I followed up with Senator Kreitlow. Although I started the process with him back in April 2008, he said for us to continue to move ahead with Senator Vinehout and he would be in support.
I corresponded with Vinehout and her office about the wording, etc. for the bill. Time went on again into the next year. I called Vinehout's office to get an update and to make sure things were still moving ahead. Vinehout's staff said they would work on getting it to the first committee hearing (took place in March 2009). I continued to stay in contact with the staff on the progress of setting a date for the hearing, and followed up after it went to the second hearing. I was able to give testimony at a hearing, collected letters of support, urged others to call and write in and provided updates.
Me and some vets getting ready for bill signing
Actually signing of the bill (July 20, 2009)
Finally the bill passed July 20, 2009. I was given permission by the Governor's office to bring up to twelve Vietnam veterans with me to witness the signing. Many veterans were unable to travel because of work or health issues. There were eight veterans who were able to make the trip. Another veteran (Dennis Woodford) who wasn't able, lent us his suburban so we could all travel to Madison together.
It was an emotional experience. I turned to look at one of the veterans and he had tears in his eyes. We grabbed each others hands and nodded during the signing. During this same time a Korean Veteran day bill was also being signed. Al Wright (Korean Vet) from Sparta advocated for the Korean Day bill and at the same time happened to also suggest doing the same for the Vietnam Veterans in the late summer of 2008. I kept him posted on the progress of the bills as well.
My group was interviewed by WQOW 18 News the day before we left for Madison and then with WEAU 13 News the morning before we left. We all went out to eat together after the signing. We started our day around 8am and returned at 10:00 pm.
Day of Gratitude
I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to share this day with these men. These Veteran have and are doing many great things on behalf of other veterans as well as in Vietnam today. Many have not forgotten the Vietnamese people. When I first proceeded with the idea, I had all Vietnam Era Veterans in mind. This would include the Hmong Veterans.
As a daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, I am grateful to my father for returning to Vietnam to bring my mother and I back to the United States.
Thuy Smith
Finally the bill passed July 20, 2009. I was given permission by the Governor's office to bring up to twelve Vietnam veterans with me to witness the signing. Many veterans were unable to travel because of work or health issues. There were eight veterans who were able to make the trip. Another veteran (Dennis Woodford) who wasn't able, lent us his suburban so we could all travel to Madison together.
It was an emotional experience. I turned to look at one of the veterans and he had tears in his eyes. We grabbed each others hands and nodded during the signing. During this same time a Korean Veteran day bill was also being signed. Al Wright (Korean Vet) from Sparta advocated for the Korean Day bill and at the same time happened to also suggest doing the same for the Vietnam Veterans in the late summer of 2008. I kept him posted on the progress of the bills as well.
My group was interviewed by WQOW 18 News the day before we left for Madison and then with WEAU 13 News the morning before we left. We all went out to eat together after the signing. We started our day around 8am and returned at 10:00 pm.
Day of Gratitude
I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to share this day with these men. These Veteran have and are doing many great things on behalf of other veterans as well as in Vietnam today. Many have not forgotten the Vietnamese people. When I first proceeded with the idea, I had all Vietnam Era Veterans in mind. This would include the Hmong Veterans.
As a daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, I am grateful to my father for returning to Vietnam to bring my mother and I back to the United States.
Thuy Smith
