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Congratulations from City of New York Office of Mayor

By Mayor David N. Dinkins

May 30, 1992

Vietnam Veterans Against the War
101West 31st Street
New York, NY 10001

Dear Members, Families, Friends, and Comrades of Vietnam Veterans Against the War:

I am proud to be able to welcome you on behalf of all New Yorkers to this 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Founding of Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW). Appropriately founded here in New York City in 1967, VVAW was the first organization of Vietnam Veterans established to oppose the war in Southeast Asia. Some of the most memorable actions to demonstrate that vigorous and courageous dissent occurred here in New York City.

VVAW enabled Vietnam veterans to participate as full partners in the broad spectrum of opposition to our nations' involvement in that tragic war, and to do so with pride and honor. Through its activities, VVAW engendered the recognition by members of the peace movement that opposition to unjust government policies should not result in disavowing support for the soldier.

In the aftermath of US involvement in Southeast Asia, VVAW remained in the forefront of the veterans' movement. It was the first organization to call attention to the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the health problems related to exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides. VVAW has continued to work for peace and social justice at home and abroad, promoting civil rights, environmental issues, Native American sovereignty and justice for veterans and conscientious objectors; to seek reconciliation with the peoples of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia; to work against military intervention overseas from Grenada to Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, and the Middle East; and no act in solidarity with anti-war and progressive veterans and conscientious objectors in South Africa, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Israel.

As the Mayor of New York City I extend congratulations to you for your groundbreaking efforts and wish you continued vibrant health as a progressive veterans' organization. It is important to this city and nation that your voice continue to be heard.

Thank you for being there, and here, and have a great weekend in New York City.

Sincerely,

[signed]

David N. Dinkins
Mayor