A press release from State Rep. Larry Howes:

ST. PAUL – State Rep. Larry Howes, R-Walker, said the Minnesota Twins started something special four decades ago and legislation he crafted would help Minnesota finish the job.

Howes’ bill to officially welcome home Vietnam veterans was to receive a legislative hearing last Friday.

The first Twins Platoon was formed in 1967. More than 150 civilians were sworn into the Marine Corps at Metropolitan Stadium and then deployed to Vietnam. It’s been 35 years since the United States withdrew its final troops from Vietnam, but America has yet to have an official welcome-home ceremony.

“It’s about time for Minnesota to finish the job,” Howes said. “The main thing is this: The state of Minnesota sent you off to war and the Minnesota Twins did a great thing when they adopted this platoon on the infield grass at the old Met Stadium on a summer afternoon in 1967. It’s time the people of Minnesota welcomed you home. We’re looking at Minnesota being part of a nationwide welcome-home for March 29.”

The Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. lists the names of 1,072 Minnesotans who died in service. Many other Minnesotans survived Vietnam and this bill is being proposed as a way for Minnesotans to show their pride and gratitude, recall the veterans’ accomplishments, and thank Minnesota’s Vietnam veterans for their unselfish devotion to duty.

Other states have taken similar action to honor Vietnam veterans March 29, marking the date America’s last troops were withdrawn. Forest Lake has led the way among Minnesota cities.