When the Vietnam veterans returned home, there were no parades, there was no national cheering, there were no heroes. Instead these men and women were ignored by a nation pulled apart by an unpopular war. To many of the veterans, the celebration surrounding the return of American hostages from lran only reinforced their feeling of being the forgotten victims of an agonizing conflict. At last, however, there is an opportunity for all of us, regardless of our feelings about that war, to say thanks to the 2,7 million Americans who served in Vietnam and to remember the 57, 692 who died, the 300,000 who were wounded, and the 75,000 who were permanently disabled. Yesterday was set aside by Congress as National Recognition Day for Veterans of the Vietnam Era. in cosponsoring the resolution in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Wendell Ford, D-Ky., said, “This nations zecognition of its Vietnam veterans is long overue. We agree. While all of us may not be able to participate in parades and ceremonies on Sunday, we can contribute in a lasting way to the memory of these veterans. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, a private nonprofit organization, has been authorized by Congress to build a national memorial on two acres of land near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The purpose of this memorial is to remember those who died and honor those who served in Vietnam. The tund is now conducting a design competition that has drawn entries from more than 1,400 architects, sculptors, landscape architects and artists. Officially it is the largest competition of its kind in U.S. history. But it will take about $7 million to build this memorial-money raised solely from corporate and individual contributions. Public support is needed if this memorial is to be a reality. Let’s not forget these veterans. Contributions may be sent to VVMF, Washington, D.C. 20098.