HB 281-WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY  1:09:44 PM CO-CHAIR THOMPSON announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 281, "An Act establishing March 30 of each year as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." 1:09:54 PM AARON SCHROEDER, Staff, Representative Bill Thomas, Jr., Alaska State Legislature, introduced HB 281 on behalf of Representative Thomas, prime sponsor. Mr. Schroeder informed the committee that last year - on the 30th anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. combat and combat support units from Vietnam - the U.S. Senate designated March 30 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. House Bill 281 proposes that March 30 of each year would be designated as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, to be observed by suitable observances and exercises by civic groups and the invited public. Mr. Schroeder added that the bill does not call for a state holiday. 1:11:06 PM REPRESENTATIVE LYNN said he was in Vietnam on ceasefire day, March 30, 1973, and he will remember it for a long, long time. CO-CHAIR SADDLER asked what kinds of observances and activities would be appropriate on this day. MR. SCHROEDER suggested that groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) would hold services, and that organizations of younger troops would also want to acknowledge the services of Vietnam vets to the veterans' communities. 1:12:39 PM CO-CHAIR SADDLER encouraged observers to be happy and upbeat when recognizing this day. CO-CHAIR THOMPSON opened public testimony. 1:13:25 PM REPRESENTATIVE BILL THOMAS, JR., Alaska State Legislature, prime sponsor of HB 281, stated he is one of 2,500,000 soldiers who served in-country during the Vietnam War, including Representative Lynn, Representative Gruenberg, and the late Representative Richard Foster. He noted that of the 58,272 soldiers who died in the war many were young; in fact, 25,000 of those who died were 20 years old or younger and 57 soldiers from Alaska were killed in action. Representative Thomas said the bill is not just to honor those who served in-country, but is for all of the veterans in all branches of the services who served during the time period from 1964 to 1973. He related a few of his experiences during that time and reminded the committee of the suffering of surviving family members and that of returning soldiers who are afflicted with post-traumatic stress syndrome. He recalled the day he returned to the U.S. in 1968: There were wire screens on the windows of the buses and the back door was welded shut because of the protesters surrounding Travis Air Force Base, and there were more protesters at the Presidio. He was very upset and angry on what should have been the happiest day of his life. Representative Thomas noted that "the attitude is a little different" for veterans returning now. In addition, he opined the military from any war should be buried with honors, with no protesting allowed, and assured the committee that others feel just as strongly. 1:21:27 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA observed that Alaska has the highest number of veterans per capita in the nation. She asked how many veterans in Alaska are veterans of the Vietnam War. REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS said he was unsure, but in his home village 1 percent of the population was serving in Vietnam at one time. The percentage of Vietnam-era veterans in Hoonah is approximately 40 percent. The percentages in Native communities are very high because many of the residents were drafted. 1:23:23 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA said the nation has changed in its understanding of the Vietnam War and many veterans sacrificed their lives or their quality of life; in fact, as veterans age they have much greater needs. She expressed her understanding that Alaskans - especially rural Alaskans - have played a bigger role in the U.S. military than the residents of other states. 1:25:02 PM REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS agreed. His family includes many veterans of the Army and the National Guard, and they are very patriotic. Veterans are treated with respect now, but when he came home he threw his medals and uniform in the trash. Now, however, he said he is very proud and celebrates with other veterans. CO-CHAIR THOMPSON said he and others offer to pay for troops' meals. REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS said when he encounters service members in airports he welcomes them home. 1:27:28 PM REPRESENTATIVE LYNN noted there is a tradition among Vietnam veterans to welcome troops home now. He shared some of his experiences while serving in the military, and expressed his strong support for the bill. REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS agreed. 1:30:00 PM CO-CHAIR SADDLER asked whether the country has changed enough so that this type of bill will not be necessary for those who return from other conflicts. REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS said each conflict is different and deserves its own honor. CO-CHAIR THOMPSON determined that no one else wished to testify. 1:31:49 PM CO-CHAIR SADDLER moved to report HB 281, identified as Version 27-LS0791\M, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 281 was reported from the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs. 1:32:50 PM The committee took an at-ease from 1:32 p.m. to l:35 p.m. 1:35:54 PM