Title...
Proclamation congratulating the Veterans of Foreign Wars' (VFW) upon the momentous occasion of its 100 years in Pittsburgh.
Body...
WHEREAS, on September 16, 2014, the University of Pittsburgh, Center for Military Medicine Research, in conjunction with other university, local, and regional organizations, celebrated the Veterans of Foreign Wars' (VFW) 100th Anniversary at the William Pitt Union; and
WHEREAS, the VFW traces its roots to veterans of Cuba and the Philippines who formed separate groups in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Colorado around the turn of the 20th century; The organizations merged and the ladies auxiliary was founded in September 1914 at a unifying convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the former Schenley Hotel, now the William Pitt Union; and
WHEREAS, the centennial celebration included a wreath-laying ceremony at the VFW state historical marker on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard on the University of Pittsburgh campus, a procession of military personnel and a luncheon; and
WHEREAS, ROTC cadets from the local Three Rivers Battalion, former state Auditor General and Marine veteran Jack Wagner, national VFW Senior Vice Commander John Biedrzycki, Jr. and Marine veteran Matthew Hannan, president of Pitt Vets, the Student Veterans of America chapter at the University of Pittsburgh, participated in the event;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council, on behalf of the citizens of Allegheny County, does hereby congratulate the Veterans of Foreign Wars' (VFW) upon the momentous occasion of its 100th anniversary and we thank the organization for ensuring that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of our great country.