Resolution would honor victims of Agent Orange

A resolution to honor and recognize victims of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War has been introduced.

State Rep. Daniel P. Troy, D-Willowick, has introduced a resolution that will honor and recognize the victims of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

The U.S. Armed Forces used Agent Orange to destroy crops and vegetation between 1961 and 1971 as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand. During that 10-year period, more than 20 million gallons of Agent Orange were sprayed, exposing 2.6 million American soldiers to the dangerous chemicals, a news release from Troy’s office stated.

“Throughout our nation’s history, men and women in the military have safeguarded the individual and collective freedoms we all cherish,” Troy said in a statement. “Unfortunately, for too long, victims of Agent Orange have been overlooked, and it’s well past time we recognize and honor their sacrifice.”

Many service members developed severe and often fatal illnesses upon returning home from duty. Approximately 300 deaths occur every day among Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, the news release stated.

The release further stated, that “while their fallen comrades are memorialized in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., victims of Agent Orange are not recognized as official causalities of the Vietnam War.”

“This resolution ensures that the heroism of every soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam is properly acknowledged,” Troy said.