Bill > HR17

This resolution honors and recognizes Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide used by the U.S. military between 1961 and 1971 during Operation Ranch Hand. The resolution highlights that approximately 2.6 million American soldiers were exposed to nearly 20 million gallons of this chemical, which caused significant health problems including various cancers, genetic damage, and birth defects in veterans' children and grandchildren. Specifically noting that over 228,000 Georgians served in the Vietnam War (with 1,584 killed in action and 8,534 wounded), the resolution emphasizes that approximately 800,000 Agent Orange-exposed veterans are still alive today, with around 300 dying daily. The resolution observes that while fallen soldiers are memorialized at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, those who died from Agent Orange-related illnesses are not officially recognized as war casualties. By passing this resolution, the Georgia House of Representatives aims to honor these veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices and heroism in preserving national freedoms, and directing the House Clerk to make copies of the resolution available for public distribution.