October 19, 2010

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today the designation of 54 regional Veterans Day observances. These sites are recognized as model events for the observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

"On Veterans Day we celebrate the lives and legacy of America's 23 million living Veterans," said Secretary Shinseki. "From the National Veterans Day observance to regional celebrations nationwide, I encourage all Americans to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our Veterans for their service."

The Secretary is Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee, which is comprised of representatives from 41 veterans service organizations — including the DAV.

“In terms of our community, this is one of the most important days of the year. These events and others hosted nationwide are an opportunity for us to remind our fellow citizens of our service and sacrifices,” said DAV National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. “Participation as DAV members strengthens our connections with people in our community and can help us identify people we can assist and those who support our cause or are eligible to be members.”

“Veterans Day is a time when the public is focused on our service and needs. It’s the one day each year when we get the recognition we’ve earned. Showing you are a DAV member by wearing DAV attire or even a DAV pin goes a step further and reminds our supporters and advocates about what the DAV is doing year-round,” said DAV National Commander Wallace E. Tyson. “Our members should use this opportunity to show our colors and take part in any celebration they can attend.”

The 2010 Veterans Day Regional Sites are: Birmingham, Mobile, and Montgomery, Ala.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Palm Springs and Sacramento, Calif.; Loveland, Colo.; Hartford, Conn.; New Castle, Del.; Brevard Community College-Coco Campus, and Weirsdale, Fla.; Atlanta and Dawson County, Ga.; Emporia, Leavenworth and Valley Center, Kan.; Bossier-Shreveport, Bossier City and Slidell, La.; Brunswick, Md.; Sherborn, Mass.; Detroit, Farmington Hills, Mason, and Lansing, Mich.; Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Biloxi and Kosciusko, Miss.; St. Louis, Mo.; Northfield, N.J.; New York, N.Y.; Charlotte, Fayetteville, Morehead City and Warsaw, N.C.; Columbus and North Olmsted, Ohio; Ponca City, Okla.; Albany and Portland, Ore.; Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Penn.; North Charleston, S.C.; Gatlinburg and Nashville, Tenn.; Austin, Bonham, Dallas and Houston, Texas; Virginia Beach, Va.; Auburn, Port Angeles, Vancouver and West Richland, Wash.; and Milwaukee, Wis.

For more information about the Veterans Day regional site program, log onto the VA’s Veterans Day Web site at http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/regsites.asp.

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