SENATOR MARX LEADS SENATE’S APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION HONORING VIETNAM VETERANS EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, led the Senate in its advancement of legislation recognizing and honoring veterans of the Vietnam War who were exposed to Agent Orange.

“Agent Orange’s use in the Vietnam War lingered much longer than the end of fighting, and it harmed the health of millions of veterans, who have not received recognition for their sacrifice to our nation,” said Sen. Marx. “Today, we take action to recognize what they experienced and ensure they are honored for their service.”

According to the resolution, the chemical solution Agent Orange was sprayed on land from helicopters or low-flying aircraft during the Vietnam War to destroy vegetation and crops with the intent of depriving enemy fighters of food and cover. Millions of service members were exposed to the chemical, which attacks the body’s genes and has been tied to conditions and serious illnesses including leukemia, heart disease, diabetes and several cancers. It also can cause genetic damage and has been linked to cases of spina bifida, among other health issues, in the children and grandchildren of those exposed.

There are fewer than 800,000 remaining Vietnam veterans compared to the more than eight million citizens who served during the war, which lasted for more than a decade. Approximately 300 surviving veterans die each day.

While the names of fallen service members are listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., according to the resolution, victims of Agent Orange are not recognized as war fatalities. This resolution ensures those individuals are honored for their sacrifices in service to the United States and its citizens.