VA Announces 'Veterans Pride' Initiative

Will be interested to see how this plays out -- similar initiative to have vets salute during the playing of the National Anthem vice placing hand over heart hasn't seen much participation, 'least from YHS' observation.

On another note -- light blogging this weekend as YHS is off to a friend's retirement in Norfolk tomorrow and bundling the clan into car to head off to the mountains for leaf spotting Saturday.

-SJS


American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2006 - Leaders of major veterans organizations joined Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson here today in launching an effort to "kindle a new spark of patriotism" by asking men and women who have served in the military to wear their medals on Veterans Day.

"We are announcing a 'Veterans Pride Initiative' to remind Americans of the pride and honor in the hearts of those who have served," Nicholson said at a news conference at VA headquarters. "We expect Americans will see our decorated heroes unite in spirit at ceremonies, in parades and elsewhere as a compelling symbol of courage and sacrifice on Veterans Day, the day we set aside to thank those who served and safeguarded our national security."

The campaign is modeled after a tradition in Australia and New Zealand, countries who honor the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on April 25 each year, VA officials said. Nicholson said he hopes a U.S. tradition will ensue to emulate this pride in being a veteran and in honoring the nation's veterans.

VA is offering information about the campaign on a Web page, http://www.va.gov/veteranspride/, where veterans also can obtain information about how to replace mislaid medals and learn how to confirm the decorations to which they are entitled.