Andrea Joy Campbell: “today I introduce the Fairness to All Fallen Vietnam War Service Members Act of 2002. Almost forty years ago, our…”

“today I introduce the Fairness to All Fallen Vietnam War Service Members Act of 2002. Almost forty years ago, our country started sending a generation of young men off to fight in Vietnam. Over 58,000 American soldiers gave their lives to their country in and around the lands, skies, and seas of Vietnam. The ultimate sacrifices many of these men have made are honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall here in Washington, D.C. There are, however, names that are missing from the wall, names that rightfully should be there with their fallen fellow Americans. It is now time to correct that omission. On the morning of June 3, 1969, the United States destroyer, U.S.S. Frank E. Evans, was cut in half during a training exercise by the Australian aircraft carrier, Melbourne. The front half of the destroyer sank in three minutes claiming the lives of seventy-four men. While these men were not lost due to enemy fire, they were involved in serious combat only days before this tragedy. At the time of the accident, the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans was taking part in Operation Sea Spirit in the South China Sea which involved over 40 ships from Southeast Asia Treaty Organization Nations. These brave men were instrumental in forwarding American objectives in Vietnam. The fact is these men died while serving their country and are due the rights and honors they deserve, including being listed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall.”