Press Releases
Congresswoman Sewell, Congressman Bachus Introduce Resolution Recognizing Birmingham's Veterans Day Celebration
October 29, 2013
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-7) and Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today introduced a House resolution recognizing the significance of Birmingham’s Veterans Day commemorations.
The resolution cites Birmingham as “home to the first and longest-running national celebration of Veterans Day.” National Veterans Day in Birmingham is now in its 66th year of paying tribute to the veterans who have served and sacrificed to protect America’s freedoms. The observance involves many events, including a parade through downtown Birmingham and the presentation of the National Veteran Award, which this year is being bestowed to the famed Tuskegee Airmen.
Congresswoman Sewell said, “Birmingham’s history of celebrating and honoring our nation’s brave service men and women is a tradition we are proud of. I am honored to introduce this resolution with Congressman Bachus in order to rightfully recognize Birmingham for its instrumental contributions to the establishment of National Veterans Day, the National Veterans Award, and the World Peace Luncheon. Birmingham’s steadfast recognition and celebration of our nation’s veterans serves as a compelling reminder of the role we all have in honoring those who defend and protect our democracy.”
Congressman Bachus said, “Birmingham has a long and proud history of honoring our esteemed veterans and truly is a role model for communities throughout our nation. It is my hope that our resolution will bring national attention to our continuing need to pay gratitude to those who have given their service, and even given their lives, to preserve the freedoms that we all are privileged to have as Americans. Our Veterans Day celebration in Birmingham is a tradition that we must cherish and support.”
The resolution cites the pivotal role that World War II veteran Raymond Weeks of Birmingham played in organizing the local celebration and advocating the creation of a National Veterans Day to General and later President Dwight Eisenhower. President Ronald Reagan recognized Raymond Weeks as the “driving force” behind Veterans Day while presenting him with a Presidential Citation Medal at the White House in 1982.
Congressman Bachus served as Grand Marshal for the National Veterans Day Parade in Birmingham in 2008.
###
Contact:
Hillary Beard (Sewell) – 202.225.2665
Tim Johnson (Bachus) – (202) 225-4921