Rep. Daniel P. Troy introduces resolution honoring victims of Agent Orange

– Rep. Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) today introduced a resolution honoring and recognizing the victims of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Between 1961 and 1971, the United States Armed Forces utilized Agent Orange to destroy enemy crops and vegetation as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand. In just ten years, more than 20 million gallons of Agent Orange were sprayed, exposing some 2.6 million American soldiers to dangerous chemicals.

"Throughout our nation's history, men and women in the military have safeguarded their individual and collective freedoms we all cherish," said Rep. Troy. "Unfortunately, for too long, victims of Agent Orange have been overlooked, and it's well past time we recognize and honor their sacrifice.

“This resolution ensures the heroism of every soldier that paid the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam is properly acknowledged.” 

Upon returning home from duty, many service members developed severe and often fatal illnesses. Every day approximately 300 deaths occur among Vietnam veterans who endured Agent Orange exposure. While their fallen comrades are memorialized in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, victims of Agent Orange are not recognized as official causalities of the Vietnam War.