ST. PAUL -- Several lawmakers spoke emotionally about the impact of the Vietnam War before approving a bill Monday to recognize veterans from that conflict.
Rep. Larry Howes, R-Walker, sponsored the measure designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in Minnesota. Howes said it's time the state honors those veterans.
"Everyone knows the Vietnam War wasn't popular, but it wasn't conveyed to our veterans we appreciated what they did," he said.
The House passed the bill 130-0.
Rep. Dennis Ozment, R-Rosemount, told colleagues about people he knew who returned from Vietnam and were spat on, and one man who hid his Silver Star recognition from his children.
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A companion bill authored by Sen. Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt, is moving through the Senate.
-- Scott Wente
