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Assemblyman Hawley says show vets appreciation on Memorial Day

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) is continuing his commitment to New York’s veterans through his work with the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Having served seven years in the Ohio Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves, where he earned the rank 1st Lieutenant, the assemblyman takes his responsibility to the courageous members of our military extremely seriously. “It is a privilege and an honor to serve on the Veterans’ Affairs committee, responding to the needs and issues that are most important to the men and women that risk their lives to protect our freedom,” Hawley said. “As a former member of the armed forces, I know firsthand how important the work done by our military personnel is to our way of life as Americans.

"This nation is truly only as strong as the servicemen and women that risk life and limb for their fellow countrymen, and I am proud to fight for their needs each and every day in the state Assembly.”

The assemblyman noted that Memorial Day, which falls on Monday, May 30, presents an opportunity for the people of the community to show their appreciation for our local veterans.

“Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the contributions that our veterans make each and every day to our community, our state and our entire nation,” Hawley said. “With the holiday just around the corner, I encourage the people of our community to visit a local veterans organization and show your appreciation for our past and present heroes, or just take some time to approach a veteran and thank them for all that they’ve done to make this country great.”

Assemblyman Hawley is the sponsor of numerous bills that support veterans, including measures to provide tax credits for home loans to veterans, support in custody battles for those in active duty, and tuition assistance for military families.

The assemblyman will be conducting his fourth annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C. for veterans from Sept. 22 through 25.

Patriot Trip IV will include roundtrip private coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C. and accommodations at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. The trip also includes tours of the WWII, Vietnam, Korean and FDR Memorials as well as Arlington Cemetery and the Udvar Hazy Aerospace Museum. Most meals are included with the trip cost of approximately $300. For more information about trip details, pricing, or to sign-up, please call Assemblyman Hawley’s District Office at 589-5780.

JOSEPH MAROTTA

Thats why I voted for this veteran because he sincerely cares about other veterans and Steve doesnt just say it he proves it going to WW2 Memorials with bus loads of veterans and listening to their stories of heroism and sadnees when they breakdown and talk about their buddies that didnt make it home.And they will tell you those that didnt come home were the real heroes. "Happy Memorial day Steve".

May 27, 2011, 3:25pm Permalink
John Hilchey

Jusy my opinion:
While I commend Assemblyman Hawley for serving our country as well as all who unselfishly served our great country, it seems the purpose of Memorial Day is being lost.Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day--a common misunderstanding,according to U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Memorial Day honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans--living or dead--but especially giving thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
I think we should thank our veterans and show our appreciation at every opportunity, but let's keep Memorial Day set aside to honor our fallen heros. Please remember to fly the flag at half-staff until noon. The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrafice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all. Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day.

May 27, 2011, 5:14pm Permalink
JOSEPH MAROTTA

Sometimes the only voice for the dead is the living. While your right about whom Memorial Day is for. It's to honor the fallen. Only the man holding back tears remembering the brother in arms under the stone when he was alive can tell you about the time he put shaving cream in his combat boots during boot camp before he jumped on that grenade in Iraq to save his platoon. So this Memorial Day HONOR the fallen by listening to their friends speak of who they were and why they gave all.

May 27, 2011, 8:18pm Permalink
JOSEPH MAROTTA

And I also have some flag etiquite as I live next to a grave yard full of Veterans. The small U.S. flags that are put in the ground next to the headstones should always be on the right side next to the front corner as you face the stone. This is true even if the headstone is facing the opposite way. I am often seen and asked what Im doing when I fix the Flags out there. The reason why the flag goes on the right side is that flag represents and acknowledges that persons service so when you salute that flag if you do. You are in essence saluting that person and acknowledging his or her service.To be polliticaly correct a flag on the left hand side of a stone the way it faces you would mean I acknowledge theres a soldier burried there however I wont recognize or honor his or her service.

May 27, 2011, 8:21pm Permalink
JOSEPH MAROTTA

In Flanders fields, In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky. The larks still bravely singing,fly. Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved and now we lie in Flanders fields. Take up your quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hand we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die. We shall not sleep,though poppies grow in Flanders fields. POEM BY: John McCrae

May 27, 2011, 8:02pm Permalink

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