WHEREAS, The purpose of this march is to inform lawmakers in Washington, DC and the American public about the deep concern the veteran’s community has regarding the consistent under funding of the Veterans Administration, veterans benefits and the Veterans Affairs Health Care system; and
WHEREAS, The march will also address current and future legislation concerning veteran’s and their families; and
WHEREAS,
It is the veterans' intention to insure that the U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate and members of the Executive Branch understand loud and clear that veterans will no longer tolerate the continued under funding of the Veterans Health Care system from this day forward. This country owes all veterans of the past, present and future the very best health care; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, veterans’ organizations such as and not limited to, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and the Purple Heart Association have carried the message and been instrumental in gaining small changes and continue to fight for more veterans rights; and
WHEREAS, Operation Firing for Effect is the collaboration of two combat tested U.S. military veterans, Gene Simes and James North, who teamed up on this project to unite veterans nationwide in a common cause; and
WHEREAS, Gene Simes is a Vietnam Marine veteran who severed three tours of duty and James North who is a combat Marine Veteran from Gulf War one and retired after 21 years of distinguished service; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and honor Gene Simes and James North, who collaborated to create Operation Firing for Effect and there efforts to bring long overdue rights and privileges to our veterans and urge everyone to participate in the Veterans March 2006.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Gene Simes and James North further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End