PURPOSES
The purposes of the Vietnam Veterans of America and Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America are:
TO: help foster, encourage, and promote the improvement of the condition of the Vietnam veteran.
TO: promote physical and cultural improvement, growth and development, self-respect, self-confidence, and usefulness of Vietnam-era veterans and others.
TO: eliminate discrimination suffered by Vietnam veterans and to develop channels of communications which will assist Vietnam veterans to maximize self-realization and enrichment of their lives and enhance life-fulfilment.
TO: study, on a non-partisan basis, proposed legislation, rules, or regulations introduced in any Federal, state, or local legislative or administrative body which may affect the social, economic, educational, or physical welfare of the Vietnam-era veteran or others; and to develop public policy proposals designed to improve the quality of life of the Vietnam-era veteran and others especially in the areas of employment, education, training, and health.
TO: conduct and publish research, on a non-partisan basis, pertaining to the relationship between Vietnam-era veterans and the American society, the Vietnam War experience, the role of the United States in securing peaceful coexistence for the world community, and other matters which affect the social, economic, educational, or physical welfare of the Vietnam-era veteran or others.
TO: assist disabled and needy war veterans including, but not limited to, Vietnam veterans and their dependents, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans.
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
WE, the veterans of the war in Vietnam, who embraced through sacrifice and service to country the most fundamental and cherished bonds of our democracy, reaffirm that commitment to spirit and ideals, accepting it as the solemn responsibility of our survival, to bear the burden of what has been, so that tragedy once endured can never be forgotten.
AND so do resolve that the true measure of our worth as citizens, as veterans, and as patriots be found in our willingness to draw from and abide by these strengths and convictions born of heritage and experience.
TO HOLD that a sacred and binding contract exists between governors and governed; with the latter recognizing an obligation of compulsory foreign or domestic service equitably shared by all, and the former morally obligated to implement foreign and domestic policies that are clear, consistent and reflective of the will of the people.
TO HOLD further, that the contract extends to post obligatory service with the Nation, bound whenever and wherever appropriate to the prompt delivery of compensation to individuals or survivors in direct proportion to sacrifice and service rendered.
TO HONOR with dignity the sacred memory of the war dead, and so in dignity, ensure that the lasting legacy of the fallen is responsibility toward, not exploitation of, their sacrifice.
TO STAND for cooperation, dialogue, and friendship among the nations of the world community with full respect and support of those principles central to our national life,
