Bill > H4688

This bill designates August 10th as Agent Orange Awareness Day in Massachusetts, commemorating the veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. The bill provides historical context about the herbicidal warfare program Operation Ranch Hand, which involved spraying nearly 20 million gallons of Agent Orange over Vietnam, exposing approximately 2.6 million American soldiers to the harmful chemical. The legislation highlights the severe health consequences of Agent Orange exposure, including various cancers, genetic damage, and birth defects that have affected veterans and their descendants. The governor will be required to issue an annual proclamation recognizing August 10th as Agent Orange Awareness Day, recommending appropriate observance by the public. The bill aims to honor the veterans who suffered from Agent Orange exposure, acknowledging their sacrifices and raising awareness about the long-term health impacts of this chemical, while noting that only 800,000 Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange are still alive, with approximately 300 deaths occurring among them daily.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4688