[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        1995 YEAR OF THE VETERAN

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FILNER

                              of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 1995
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to join the 
county of San Diego in honoring our Nation's veterans. The following 
resolution by the county of San Diego designates 1995 as the ``Year of 
the Veteran'':

       Whereas, on May 8, 1995, America will observe the 20th 
     anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war; and,
       Whereas, on September 2, 1995, our Nation will celebrate 
     the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II; and,
       Whereas, San Diego County has the highest retired military 
     population in the state of California; and,
       Whereas, San Diego County has the second largest veteran 
     population in the Nation; and,
       Whereas, the county homeless veteran population is double 
     the national percentage, and others are at risk of becoming 
     the ``News'' homeless; and,
       Whereas, veterans of all eras are still facing the 
     aftermath and reconstruction of their lives after military 
     service; and,
       Whereas, these veterans, their families, their widows and 
     their survivors continue to be adversely affected by military 
     downsizing, base closures, massive defense industry cutbacks; 
     and,
       Whereas, a concerted effort to assist these worthy citizens 
     and former soldiers with decent jobs adequate housing and 
     economic, self-empowering opportunities, will demonstrate our 
     concern and gratitude; and,
       Whereas, as the County of San Diego is committed to finding 
     new and creative solutions and programs, that provide 
     ``continuum of care'' solutions to combat and reverse this 
     national and local tragedy that has befallen our veterans: 
     Now, Therefore, Be it
       Resolved, That the County of San Diego designates 1995 as 
     the ``Year of the Veteran.'' We call upon our citizens, the 
     business community, non-profit groups, service providers, our 
     individual cities and others throughout the county to join 
     together for the purpose of focusing on providing effective 
     solutions to those who have not overcome the effects of their 
     military service and still need our help.

  Mr. Speaker, I submit this resolution to recognize the tremendous 
debt of gratitude we owe to our Nation's veterans for their valor and 
service to our country. Let us resolve to make 1995 not only the Year 
of the Veteran, but more importantly, the year we begin to make real 
strides toward keeping our contract with these brave men and women.


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