2013-J355
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating National Salute to Hospitalized
Veterans Week
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week; and
WHEREAS, For the first time since the Vietnam War, America's Veterans
Administration (VA) and military hospitals are caring for a large number
of war-wounded; many servicemen and servicewomen are seriously wounded
and are unable to return to duty; once they are discharged from active
duty, they are then treated in the VA hospital system; and
WHEREAS, The National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week is observed
annually during the week of Valentine's Day, a day of caring and sharing
which underscores the Salute's expression of honor and appreciation to
inpatient and outpatient veterans; and
WHEREAS, National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week will be cele-
brated February 10-16, 2013, to say thank you and to show support to the
men and women who have honorably served our country and borne the battle
in defending freedom, not only at home but throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the purpose of the National Salute is to
increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical centers, and
to encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and to become
involved as volunteers; and
WHEREAS, The annual VA National Salute program began in 1978 when VA
took over sponsorship of a program which started in 1974 by the humani-
tarian organization No Greater Love, Inc.; the staff of the VA Voluntary
Service plan and execute local events and activities at VA medical
centers; and
WHEREAS, Local celebrities, youth groups, members of the general
public, and veterans service organizations visit patients at VA medical
centers, nursing homes, state veteran homes, and other facilities; and
WHEREAS, For the 21st consecutive year, the nationally syndicated
column started by Ann Landers, now called "Ask Annie," has devoted a
column to the National Salute, asking readers to send Valentine's Day
cards and letters to hospitalized veterans at VA medical centers; subse-
quently, more than one million cards and letters are sent to VA patients
during the National Salute; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and
most proudly commemorate National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Health Care Systems
and VA medical centers throughout the State of New York.