Secretary Woods attended the Medal of Honor Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Photo credit: Michael Garcia
Dear Friends,
Reflecting on the past two weeks, we stand at the intersection of two significant days for Veterans in the calendar: Medal of Honor Day on March 25th and Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day on March 30th in the State of Maryland.
Last week, I had the honor of attending a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery alongside Medal of Honor recipients. Among them were heroes whose acts of valor during the Vietnam War epitomized the bravery and sacrifice of our armed forces.
The Vietnam War was a pivotal chapter in our nation’s history, and its veterans paved the way for how our country thinks about and treats veterans today. Despite facing challenges upon their return, the Vietnam generation sparked a cultural shift, demanding recognition and respect for their service. Their resilience and advocacy laid the groundwork for the comprehensive support and appreciation our veterans receive today.
As we commemorate Medal of Honor Day and Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, let us not only honor the extraordinary courage of our Medal of Honor recipients but also express our deepest gratitude to all Vietnam veterans. Their legacy of service, sacrifice, and advocacy continues to inspire us as we strive to uphold our commitment to all who have worn the uniform.
Special note: In the aftermath of the Key Bridge tragedy in Baltimore on March 26th, our hearts ache for those affected by this devastating event. As we mourn the lives lost, we extend our deepest condolences to their families and their communities.
In the face of this event, it is important to recognize the contributions of our community in the recovery and resilience efforts. The veteran and military-connected community are continuing to serve and show leadership in this time of adversity.
We thank the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Navy for their role in the recovery efforts. We know their commitment to service is unwavering and absolute.
We thank the first responders, including the Maryland National Guard, who embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment that are hallmarks of military service.
For those interested in contributing to the recovery and resilience efforts, the Baltimore Community Foundation’s Key Bridge Emergency Fund is available. The fund will provide support for families, port workers, first responders, and small businesses impacted by the Key Bridge collapse.
In times of crisis, the bonds of our military community grow stronger, reminding us of the importance of standing together and “leaving no one behind”.
Sincerely,
Tony
