PRINTER'S NO. 3634
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
532
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY HILL-EVANS, SAPPEY, CONKLIN, VITALI, SCHLOSSBERG,
McNEILL, HOHENSTEIN, VENKAT, JOZWIAK, HADDOCK, CEPEDA-
FREYTIZ, M. MACKENZIE, PARKER, SANCHEZ, CURRY, MENTZER,
MAYES, PICKETT, KHAN, D. WILLIAMS, GALLAGHER, CIRESI, DALEY,
NEILSON AND GREEN, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing September 29, 2024, as "VFW Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States,
known as the VFW, is a nonprofit veterans service organization
comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from
the active, guard and reserve forces; and
WHEREAS, The VFW was established on September 29, 1899, by a
small group of veterans of different foreign wars who called
themselves the American Veterans of Foreign Service and later
merged with two other combat war veteran associations during a
historic convention near Pittsburgh, becoming the Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States and opening their membership
to veterans from all foreign wars and branches of service; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the VFW is to foster camaraderie
among United States veterans of overseas conflicts, serve our
veterans, the military and their communities, and advocate on
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behalf of all veterans; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the VFW has been a leading
advocate for veterans' rights and benefits, playing a crucial
role in the establishment of the Veterans Administration (VA),
the national veterans' cemetery system and the GI Bill of
Rights; and
WHEREAS, The VFW was instrumental in the passage of the
Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to
Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 signed into law by
President Biden, which expanded and extended eligibility for VA
health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of
the Vietnam War, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras, and added more
than 20 more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange
and other toxic exposures, while making other improvements for
the health and benefit of our veterans; and
WHEREAS, The VFW and its Auxiliary boast a membership of more
than 1.5 million individuals, with approximately 6,000 Posts
worldwide; and
WHEREAS, The VFW has provided tens of millions of dollars in
financial assistance to military families, scholarships and
local community service projects; and
WHEREAS, The VFW helps veterans recoup billions of dollars
annually in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
disability compensation and pension benefits, ensuring veterans
and their families receive the care they earned and deserve; and
WHEREAS, The VFW continues to honor its motto, "No One Does
More For Veterans," through unwavering devotion and service to
veterans, military personnel and communities; and
WHEREAS, "VFW Day" is a time to commemorate the hard work and
sacrifice of veteran men and women who have selflessly served
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the United States of America, and to recognize the continued
service and dedication of the VFW; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
September 29, 2024, as "VFW Day" in Pennsylvania; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That all Pennsylvanians are encouraged to honor and
support the members and veterans of the VFW and their families
for their invaluable contributions to our nation and
communities.
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