CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION
98
Introduced by Senator Menjivar
(Coauthors: Senators Archuleta, Choi, Grove, McNerney, and Umberg)
April 30, 2026
Relative to veterans.
WHEREAS, Korean American Vietnam War veterans served alongside the Armed Forces of the United States during the Vietnam War in defense of freedom and democracy; and
WHEREAS, Many of these veterans later became naturalized United States citizens and longtime residents of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, California is home to approximately 700 Korean American Vietnam War veterans, representing the largest concentration of those veterans in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The Congress of the United States enacted Public Law 118-20, formally recognizing these veterans for their allied service during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, Many of these veterans are now in their late seventies and eighties and suffer from combat-related illnesses, including exposure to Agent Orange and post-traumatic stress disorder; and
WHEREAS, The overwhelming majority of veterans are Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries and continue receiving medical care through community physicians, and therefore pose no significant fiscal burden to the State of California; and
WHEREAS, Their service represents a profound symbol of the enduring alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate honors and recognizes the service and sacrifice of Korean American Vietnam War veterans residing in the State of California; and be it further
Resolved, That the Senate expresses its respect and gratitude for their contributions to freedom and democracy; and be it further
Resolved, That the Senate encourages continued cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea in matters concerning the welfare and dignity of these veterans; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to the Governor, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, and the author for appropriate distribution.