Memorials, Interns - Elizabeth Spurling -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jay Reedy

Designates May 15, 2025 as Vietnam Veterans’ Heritage Day in Michigan to honor Vietnam veterans and raise public awareness.

Adopted, Ayes 95, Nays 0, PNV 0

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Summary — House Resolution No. 107 (Michigan): Vietnam Veterans’ Heritage Day

Status: Adopted (house resolution)
Primary sponsor: Rep. Jennifer Wortz (with co-sponsors listed in the adopted text: Reps. Fox, Schmaltz, Bruck, Alexander, Breen, Glanville, Greene, Lightner, Paiz, Rogers, Weiss, Witwer, and Young)
Related measure: Companion resolution HCR 111
Key date declared: May 15, 2025 (Vietnam Veterans’ Heritage Day in Michigan)

Purpose and intent

HR 107 is a ceremonial resolution that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and officially designates May 15, 2025, as “Vietnam Veterans’ Heritage Day” in the state of Michigan. The resolution recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. military personnel who served in Vietnam and seeks to honor Vietnam veterans and raise public awareness of their contributions and challenges.

Key provisions

Formally commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (with specific reference to the Mayagu ez Incident, which ended May 15, 1975).

Declares May 15, 2025, to be Vietnam Veterans’ Heritage Day in Michigan.

Includes factual and memorial statements in the preamble:

Notes that more than 2.7 million U.S. service members served in Vietnam and over 58,000 died in the conflict.
Acknowledges that many Vietnam veterans faced hostility on return and that many have struggled with physical and psychological injuries, including very high suicide losses (the resolution cites recent estimates).

Calls on residents to hold veterans in high regard and to pass on respect for those who served to future generations.

Who is affected

Directly: Vietnam veterans and their families in Michigan, who receive formal state recognition and commemoration.

Indirectly: Michigan communities, veterans’ organizations, museums, schools, and local governments that may use the designation to schedule commemorative events, educational activities, or public acknowledgments.

There are no regulatory, tax, or budgetary changes—this is an honorary, non-binding resolution.

Procedural/timeline notes

Introduced and moved through the Michigan House in early 2025.

The resolution was considered by relevant House committees and placed on congratulatory/memorial calendars.

Adopted by the Michigan House (adoption and enrollment steps occurred in spring 2025; enrolled version was signed by the Speaker and presented to the Secretary of State in May 2025).

Because it is a House resolution that is ceremonial in nature, it does not create enforceable law nor appropriate funds.

Practical impact

Symbolic recognition intended to promote public remembrance and education about Vietnam-era service and sacrifice.

May prompt commemorative events, observances, and educational programs on May 15, 2025, and at future anniversaries.

Could support outreach by veteran service organizations and state/local entities but does not authorize spending or establish new programs.