Declaration of Principles

    WE, the veterans who served during the Vietnam War, 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 we 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, insure 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.
                                                                                                              VVA CONSTITUTION