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Senate Joint Resolution 17 (SJR 17), authored by Senator Steven Choi, Ph.D. (R-Irvine), passed the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, yesterday, with unanimous bipartisan support.
SJR 17 urges Congress and the President of the United States to permit states to extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans cemeteries to Republic of Korea veterans who served alongside American troops during the Vietnam War and later became United States citizens.
"These brave veterans answered the call to serve alongside American forces during the Vietnam War and made tremendous sacrifices in defense of freedom," said Senator Choi. "As the only Korean American serving in the California State Senate, I am proud to author this resolution to honor their service and advocate for the recognition they deserve."
The Republic of Korea provided the largest allied military contingent supporting the United States during the Vietnam War, with more than 320,000 South Korean soldiers serving between 1965 and 1973.
SJR 17 now moves to the Senate Floor for consideration by the full Senate.