(June
30, 2009)
In
order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the
concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have
established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring
you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the
current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe
that this NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate
and the way in which we share new information, keeping you better informed.
Alma
L. Lee
National
VA Council, President
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President’s
Briefing: 4th of July Message
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Later this week we will be
celebrating the annual holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration
of Independence, the 4th of July!
This holiday is much more
than the smell of grilling hamburgers, the feel of a cool pool, and the
sounds and sights of a fireworks display. It means more than just
another day off from work or a reason to get together with friends and
family. It is a time to celebrate the courage of our founding fathers
in their pursuit of liberty!
The true reason for the day
comes from a young man in Philadelphia, writing in a hot stuffy room in the
summer of 1776. Asked to document why the colonies felt they had no
choice but to revolt, and to establish a new nation, he wrote in words that
echo through the ages:
“We
hold these truths to be self evident – that all men are created equal;
that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that
among these rights are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Now, more than 233 years
after those words have inspired millions of people around the world to seek
their own independence, they have more importance than ever. Hundreds
of thousands of brave American men and women stand guard in harm’s way
throughout the world to meet Jefferson’s challenge. Thousands have
made the supreme sacrifice in that quest. We, who work for the
Department of Veterans Affairs, meet the challenge of caring for these
guardians, our veterans, in medical centers, regional office, or a cemetery.
We acknowledge every day their sacrifices.
So, in
no small way, July 4th has a special meaning for us all.
Amid the hot dogs, fireworks, and the pool, we should stop and keep in our
thoughts those brave veterans entrusted to our care, and rededicate
ourselves to their service.
On behalf of the entire National Veterans Affairs Council, I would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy 4th of July, and look forward to your continued world class service to those most deserving citizens, our nation’s veterans.