Solano County Board of Supervisors to Honor the 50th Anniversary of the Start of the Vietnam War

August 4, 2014

SOLANO COUNTY – Everyone is invited to join the Solano County Board of Supervisors this Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 9 a.m. as they honor Solano County Vietnam Veterans on the 50th anniversary of the Tonkin Gulf Resolution.

August, 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the Tonkin Gulf Resolution and a time to remember and honor Vietnam Veterans.  Solano County is home to more than 40,000 veterans, with approximately 10,000 of them who actually served with boots on the ground in Vietnam.

On August 5, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented the Tonkin Gulf Resolution to Congress, which Congress passed overwhelmingly on August 7, 1964.  Although there was never a declaration of war, many view the "official" start of the Vietnam War on this day.

The Tonkin Gulf Resolution authorized the chief executive authority “to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.”  The resolution also suggested that the Nation is ready “to take all necessary steps, including the use of armed force to assist any member or protocol state of the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty requesting assistance in defense of freedom.”

The Solano County Veteran's Services Office encourages all Vietnam Veterans, Veterans Service Organizations, families of fallen veterans and anyone interested in honoring these brave soldiers to join us at the Board of Supervisors meeting, located at 675 Texas Street in Fairfield.  There will be a brief recess after the Board presentation for visiting and some light refreshments.

Please Call the Veteran’s Service Office at (707) 784-6590 with any questions.