REMARKS
Council Member Marmorato's remarks on Resolution 441 to designate Vietnam Veterans Day
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Council Member Kristy Marmorato presents her remarks in support of Resolution 441, which aims to designate March 29th as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York City. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring Vietnam veterans, sharing personal insights and the inspiration behind the resolution.
- The resolution was inspired by a conversation with Vietnam veteran Oscar Ruiz, highlighting the lack of recognition many veterans faced upon returning home.
- Marmorato stresses that this designation is more than adding a date to the calendar; it's about restoring respect and honor to Vietnam veterans.
- She mentions that her district is hosting a Department of Veterans Service event to provide support for veterans and their families.
Kristy Marmorato
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Thank you, chair Holden and members of the veterans committee.
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It's a privilege to bring this resolution forward, a resolution that holds deep significance for me and for so many in district 13.
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Today, we're considering designating March 29th as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York City, a gesture that may seem simple, but one that has a profound meaning for our veterans and their families.
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The inspiration for this resolution came from a heartfelt conversation with one of my constituents, Oscar Ruiz, at a veteran's breakfast in Morris Park.
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Oscar shared with me the struggle he and so many other Vietnam veterans have faced for years, especially the pain of returning home to a nation that did not offer them the recognition or support that they deserved.
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Hearing this story was powerful.
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A powerful reminder that as the city, we have a responsibility to do better.
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By designating March 29th as Vietnam Veterans Day, we're making a commitment, a promise to our Vietnam veterans and their families that their service, sacrifice, and resilience will not be forgotten.
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This day will serve as a constant reminder that New York City honors them, sees them, and values the contributions they continue to make in our communities.
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Passing this resolution is about more than adding a date to our city's calendar.
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It's about restoring the respect and honor our Vietnam veterans have always deserved but are too often denied.
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True honor is more than a statement.
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It's a commitment to support and recognize those who have served not just on one day, but every day.
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Even today, I'm proud to that in District 13, we are hosting a Department of Veterans Service event in our office to provide support for all Vietnam all veterans and their families.
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It's one of many ways my district is committed to standing with our veterans and honoring their legacy of service.
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I ask my colleagues on the committee to support this resolution and help move it forward to a full council vote.
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Let's pass this for Oscar and every other Vietnam veteran who deserves to feel the city's gratitude.
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I'd like to take a moment to thank Regina Paul, April Cardena, and to all of our vets out there.
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Thank you.
