Marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon, State Senator Mark Walker reflected on his service during a press conference at the Illinois Capitol. Senator Walker emphasized that he and his fellow soldiers fought for fundamental freedoms shared by Americans and South Vietnamese alike. Representatives Hoan Huynh, Stephanie Kifowit, Dan Swanson, and Wayne Rosenthal also expressed gratitude to over 2.7 million American service members and 800,000 South Vietnamese allies. Walker highlighted the enduring message of America as a land of opportunity and refuge for those fleeing conflict, underscoring the nation’s tradition of welcoming those in need.
“After I served in the Vietnam War, my mother asked me why I did it,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “I told her I fought for the Bill of Rights, for freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of assembly. Those freedoms are what I fought for and what my friends fought for. We fought alongside the South Vietnamese who fought for the same freedoms we did, for their country.”
“To the veterans who served, both American and South Vietnamese, we offer our deepest gratitude,” said Representative Huynh (D-Chicago). “You answered the call of duty, you fought with honor and you carried the heavy burden of war — often without the recognition or support you deserve.”
“I am moved by the fact that few were able to get out of their country and come to America,” said Walker. “I think the message we learn from that is that this is a land of opportunity. This is a land where we welcome refugees and people from war-torn areas. That has always been the statement of America and how we were founded.”
