Obama honors Vietnam veterans

WASHINGTON, May 28 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama called on Americans Monday to "truly honor and support" Vietnam War veterans on Memorial Day.

This year's Memorial Day coincides with the 50th anniversary of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, Obama wrote in an op-ed column in Stars and Stripes.

"After Vietnam, our veterans didn't always receive the respect and thanks they deserved. At times they were neglected and even shunned, which was a national shame," Obama said. "We've pledged many times since Vietnam that we would never let that happen again, and that we would give our veterans, especially our Vietnam Veterans, the respect and honor they deserve. This 50th anniversary is our opportunity to do it right."

Obama visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington Monday to meet with "Vietnam veterans and their families for a ceremony to begin this 50th anniversary."

"As this anniversary proceeds we will also continue working to ensure that our Vietnam Veterans -- and all veterans -- receive the services, respect, and support they have earned. Our efforts on behalf of Vietnam veterans are part of our larger effort to make sure our nation is serving all our veterans as well as they served us," Obama said. "And because no veteran who fights for our nation overseas should have to fight for a job when they come home, this country has made it a priority for businesses to hire veterans and provided resources that make it easier for veterans to find a job.

"This Memorial Day, let's remember all those who've put on the uniform, served far from home, and laid down their lives so we can live ours in security and freedom," Obama said. "And let's take this opportunity to truly honor and support all those who served and sacrificed in Vietnam. That's what we'll be doing when we gather today at The Wall, and that's what we can all do together in the months and years ahead."