A concurrent resolution urging the 119th Congress to provide for the inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall the names of the lost crew members of the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 3005 is a memorializing resolution urging the 119th Congress to allow the names of the lost crew members of the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans to be added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. The resolution recounts the June 3, 1969 collision between the Evans and the HMAS Melbourne during Operation Sea Spirit, which killed 74 U.S. sailors, including two North Dakotans, Patrick Gene Glennon and Robert James Seale. It argues that the ship was operating in combat support missions related to the Vietnam War and that the deaths should qualify for inclusion on the memorial.
The resolution does not change North Dakota law or create any new state program, benefit, or regulatory requirement. Instead, it expresses the Legislature’s position and directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies to federal leaders and North Dakota’s congressional delegation. Its practical effect is advocacy at the federal level on a veterans memorial issue, with the goal of influencing Congress and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s criteria or implementation.
Impact
HCR 3005 has no direct effect on state statutes or state agency duties beyond the ministerial act of sending the adopted resolution to specified federal officials. Its impact is primarily symbolic and political: it places North Dakota on record supporting recognition of the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans sailors on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and seeks to influence federal memorial policy and veterans recognition practices.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been received very positively and without opposition. It passed the House on second reading by a unanimous 88-0 vote, and there is no committee transcript indicating controversy or dissent. The strong vote suggests broad bipartisan support for honoring the sailors and for the resolution’s request to Congress.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The only substantive issue implied by the text is whether the Evans crew meets the eligibility criteria for inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, given that the deaths resulted from a collision during a training operation rather than direct combat. Supporters emphasize that the ship had been operating in combat support missions and would have returned to them, while the resolution seeks to persuade Congress to recognize that connection. No opposing arguments are documented in the provided materials.
A concurrent resolution urging the 119th Congress to provide for the inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall the names of the lost crew members of the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans.
This joint resolution recognizes the sacrifice of veterans of the Vietnam War and commends them for their sacrifice to the United States. The joint resolution also urges the President to formally acknowledge the widespread mistreatment of such veterans as part of the ongoing Vietnam War Commemoration and issue a formal apology to the veterans and their families. Additionally, the joint resolution expresses urgent support for increased education to better reflect the sacrifice and treatment of Vietnam veterans.