Recognizing 2014 as the "Year of the Veteran in Philadelphia" to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments as well as continue to raise public awareness of issues related to veterans and the ongoing initiatives to serve those who have served.

WHEREAS, Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States Army, United States Navy and United States Marine Corps, establishing a link between our City and those who have served our country dating back to pre-Revolutionary War times; and

WHEREAS, Veterans from past wars and peace time as well as those currently returning from overseas military duty to Philadelphia are part of the foundation of our community having served our country in the Armed Forces, putting themselves in harms way, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, to protect us and preserve our liberties; and

WHEREAS, There are roughly 88,000 veterans living in Philadelphia with service spanning World War II until the present, men and women, of all races, religions, ethnicities, gender-identifications and physical abilities; and

WHEREAS, A new generation of veterans, including many female veterans are returning from service and choosing to live, work and further their education in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Veterans offer our City a talented and experienced pool of leaders, workers and neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Many veterans face challenges in living to their fullest potential because of the injuries, both mental and physical, suffered during their service; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Philadelphia became the first city in America to offer a tax credit to employers hiring returning veterans which will be assessed and modified as needed in 2014; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, a coalition was formed to include the City of Philadelphia, the Department of Veteran Affairs and other partner non-profit organizations, such as The Veterans Multi-Service Center, to end veteran homelessness in Philadelphia by the end of 2014; and

WHEREAS, City Council passed a Resolution authorizing the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold hearings on the state of veterans in Philadelphia which will be held in 2014; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Free Library, One Book, One Philadelphia Program has chosen

The Yellow Birds

by Kevin Powers, a tale of a veteran's experience while at war, as its selection for discussions and events to be held throughout the City in 52 existing libraries; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia will host the Veteran Wheelchair Games in August 2014, with over 600 competitors from all over the Nation traveling to Philadelphia in order to participate; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes 2014 as the “Year of the Veteran in Philadelphia” to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments as well as continue to raise public awareness of issues related to veterans and the ongoing initiatives to serve those who have served.

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