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For Immediate Release
November 2, 2006
CONTACT:
Colleen Greer
Phone: 717-787-6801
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Weekly Column: Acknowledging All Veterans for Their Gallantry, Bravery, and
Sacrifice
On November 11th, our country will celebrate the annual Veterans Day holiday
– the most opportune time to acknowledge the great contributions of both our
past and present servicemen and women. This is truly a time of celebration when
the freedoms we enjoy as individuals are to be appreciated and a time of
reflection when we should show gratitude to those in our communities whose
bravery and dedication have made and continue to make our nation great.
Our veterans are drawn from several generations and many backgrounds, with
service time dating from World War II to our newest vets with recent memories of
battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nevertheless, all veterans should be proud of
their service and their contributions to our nation, both in peace and in times
of war. That's why I have always been such a strong advocate of veterans'
programs, benefits, and organizations.
Keeping with this commitment to recognizing their efforts and needs, I
supported a number of key initiatives that were approved by the Legislature
earlier this year which provide new benefits for Pennsylvania's soldiers,
veterans, and their families. I am pleased that we were successful in helping
current and former servicemen and women by enacting laws addressing education,
jobs, health care, and tax relief.
To honor those who currently serve in uniform and those who support the war
effort from the home front, I recently participated in a ceremony recognizing
October 14, 2006 as Military Family Appreciation Day in the Commonwealth. I
joined Veterans Resource Central – a Pennsylvania based nonprofit organization
that provides assistance to returning veterans, active duty military, and their
families – to present a Senate resolution designating this day to honor the
sacrifices made by our military families. It's important to remember that
service duty takes its toll not only on the members who fight in the field, but
also on the families who wait and worry at home.
Veterans' Day is the perfect time of year to get involved in the various
events that are underway in the community to recognize those who have served our
country. To honor our veterans who served in uniform, those who gave their
lives, and those who support the war effort from the home front, I annually
participate in local Veterans' Day ceremonies and encourage everyone to do the
same.
In continuing with my tradition of reaching out to the members of our
veterans' community, I also maintain a Veterans' Advisory Committee to keep our
retired veterans from the 15th Senatorial District regularly informed of
important legislation and state issues that directly affect them or impact upon
the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. It is a citizens' group
designed to promote open communication among veterans, state government, Dauphin
and York County Offices, federal agencies, and various veterans' assistance
organizations. This committee is very important because it allows me to stay in
touch with veterans and because it gives them a voice in state government.
Membership on this committee is free and open to the public. There is no
obligation to attend meetings, so I encourage local veterans to consider joining
even if only to receive periodic informational mailings. To join, please call my
office at 787-6801 or 1-888-PICCOLA or visit my website at
www.piccola.org.
Veterans Day is set aside to remember men and women who have taken up arms to
defend our country. Most gave some of the best years of their lives to the
service of the United States and stood ready to give life, itself, on our
behalf. To all veterans – both past and present – thank you for your gallantry,
bravery, and sacrifice. |
