HomeMy WebLinkAboutTet Offensive Anniversary_4.6.13
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, January 30, 2013 marks the 45th Anniversary of the launching of the Tet Offensive
during the Vietnam War, and this is a fitting opportunity to remember the nearly 4,000 American
military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during those harrowing weeks and months, and;
WHEREAS, in the early morning hours of January 30, 1968, in violation of a lunar new year truce,
84,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops launched the massive Tet Offensive, attacking 105
cities and towns throughout South Vietnam, and;
WHEREAS, although they were taken by surprise, American troops acquitted themselves with
bravery and skill in innumerable instances of bitter combat; notable battles included those in the
cities of Saigon and Hue and at the marine base at Khe Sanh and surrounding outposts, and;
WHEREAS, the attacks were eventually repelled, and the Viet Cong were effectively destroyed as a
fighting force; the Tet Offensive cost more than 50,000 lives, including those of 14,000 civilians and
3,895 American soldiers; in mid-February alone, 543 Americans were killed, the highest weekly total
of the entire war; and
WHEREAS, nearly half a century later, the courage displayed by American troops during the Tet
Offensive continues to exemplify the highest standard of bravery, and those who paid the last full
measure of devotion are forever deserving of remembrance and honor by the country they served.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE GARVER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN,
TEXAS do hereby pay tribute to and honor the veterans of the
TET OFFENSIVE