Alice, TX — Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, a United States Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, was honored to serve as the keynote speaker at the Texas Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Old Collins Cemetery in Alice, Texas. The event, organized by the United Veterans Burial Association, commemorated the sacrifices and valor of the Texas Vietnam Veterans.

March 29 holds significant importance as it marks the day when the last members of the United States armed forces withdrew from Vietnam in 1973 and returned home. In 2009, Senator Hinojosa passed legislation designating March 29 as Texas Vietnam Veterans Day, a day to honor and remember the service of our veterans.

In 2013, the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument was unveiled and serves as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude for the Texans who served in Vietnam. The monument, located on the northeast grounds of the Capitol, stands as a tribute to the loyalty and courage of those who answered the call of duty. Senator Hinojosa played a key role in making the monument a reality by passing legislation authorizing its construction and securing the seed funding for the project.

Reflecting on his service in Vietnam, Senator Hinojosa shared, "Many of us Vietnam Veterans still remember the rice paddies and jungles of Chu Lai, Da Nang, Huề, Khe Sanh, and Saigon. Every day, I am grateful for my freedom and remember my fellow Marines. In Vietnam, we were united, standing ready to defend our country and our freedom."

Senator Hinojosa urged all Texans to honor and remember the 3,417 Texans who lost their lives in Vietnam, including his high school classmates Jesus Martinez, Walter Merle Langford, and Leonel Buntello. He emphasized the importance of honoring their sacrifice and keeping their memory alive.

As the ceremony concluded, Senator Hinojosa remarked, "This Texas Vietnam Veterans Day, let us come together to honor our Vietnam Veterans and to carry on the spirit of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Semper Fi! God Bless America."

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