Senate sets aside October 2009 to recognize tragic costs of defoliant use
The Senate today adopted a Senate Resolution introduced by Senator Elder Vogel (R-47) designating October 2009, as “Agent Orange Recognition Month” in Pennsylvania.
“Nearly 40 years have passed since America’s involvement in Vietnam ended and yet that conflict continues to impact our society. Exposure to Agent Orange caused the deaths of thousands of Vietnam War veterans and devastated the health and well being of thousands more,” Senator Vogel said. “The truth is that many Vietnam veterans still live with the awful effects of Agent Orange today.”
Agent Orange is the name given to a specific blend of herbicides used in Vietnam from 1962 to 1971 during the Vietnam conflict. The U.S. military sprayed millions of gallons of Agent Orange and other herbicides to remove leaves from trees that provided cover for enemy forces. Some Vietnam veterans were exposed to these herbicides.
The U.S. Veterans Administration has associated several forms of cancer and a number of other serious and chronic health problems with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides.
“America’s Vietnam veterans were asked to give so much for their country and in return received little recognition and at times animosity for their service,” Senator Vogel said. “This Resolution designates October 2009 as a time to offer our gratitude for their service and to show our sympathy and remorse for the tragic consequences that resulted from their exposure to Agent Orange.”
CONTACT: Joe Weidner
(724) 774-0444