VA Announces ‘Veterans Pride’ Initiative

American Forces Press Service ^

[SandRat]

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.

Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson, along with leaders of major veterans organizations, announces the Veterans Pride Initiative at the Department of Veterans Affairs headquarters in Washington, D.C., Oct. 18. VA photo   '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

"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.

(From a Department of Veterans Affairs news release.)

Biographies:
R. James Nicholson

Related Sites:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Pride Initiative

[SandRat]

Veteran's Pride!!!

[phoenix0468]

Well, I guess Kerry's screwed on this one since his were thrown over the fence at the White House. Oh, yeah, I remember those were fakes, BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

[Billthedrill]

I don't even know where mine are anymore. I don't know how comfortable I'd be wearing them next to a guy who gave a limb for his country anyway. Or remembering the ones who gave their lives. They're the heroes. Put me down for "undecided" on this one, 'Rat, but BTT anyway.

[SandRat]

We're all brothers/sisters no matter where or when we served or how much fruit salad we have or don't have. It's to show that there are a lot of us and cry out that we all deserve respect and honor.

[swmobuffalo]

Reckon it would be ok if I wore my dad's WWII Memorial hat?

[SandRat]

Perhaps

[swmobuffalo]

I don't wear the hat at all. It just hangs on my wall. But it's the only real thing I have of my dad's that's service related.

[SandRat]

Then wear it as you stand and watch the vets go by they'll understand

[swmobuffalo]

Ok.