As part of the proclamation, Hochul has directed 15 landmarks across the state to illuminate in green, yellow and red on Sunday night in recognition of the day and to honor the service and sacrifice of New York's Vietnam War Era veterans and their families.
"Today, New York State landmarks will be lit in green, yellow and red - the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal - to recognize New York's Vietnam Veterans and to honor those who died while serving their state and nation," Hochul said.
"Many who served in Vietnam did not receive the appreciation and respect they had earned when they returned home. That is why today, and every day, we take the time to honor their courage and thank them for their service."
Among the landmarks that will light up include:
- 1WTC
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
- The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
- Roosevelt Island Lighthouse
The date marks the solemn anniversary of the withdrawal of the last 2,500 American troops from South Vietnam in 1973.
New York State is home to about 180,000 Vietnam War Era veterans and their families, according to the New York governor's office. The names of 4,119 New Yorkers who died during the war are included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
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