Honoring and recognizing Gerry Lenfest, Greg Montanaro, Congressman Robert Brady, The Greater Philadelphia Traditions Fund and City Council's Office of Veteran's Affairs for their tireless dedication to our veterans and their unwavering resolve to organize and establish the first citywide Philadelphia Veteran's Day Parade in 2015.

WHEREAS, There are roughly 88,000 veterans living in Philadelphia with service spanning from World War II until the present; and

WHEREAS, Veterans have not only served our country but they are also an integral part of our City and part of the fabric of our communities; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia as the birthplace of the United States Army, the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps has a long and strong link to the men and women whom have honorably served our country dating back to even before the Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, With the help and support of Scott Brown, Joyce McKeown and Wanda Pate of City Council's Office of Veteran's Affairs, under the direction of Council President Darrell Clarke, a commission was formed to plan Philadelphia's Veteran's Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, This Commission includes: Chairman George Ginder, Tony Jenkins, Aronda Smith, Delano Smith, Jose M. Melendez, Hon. Pat Dugan and Andre McCoy. They are at the forefront of this endeavor to ensure Philadelphia a Veterans Day Parade in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Without the tremendous support of all of these individuals a Veteran's Parade would not be able to be realized; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and recognize Gerry Lenfest, Greg Montanaro, Congressman Robert Brady and all of the individuals that are going to make Philadelphia's Veteran's Day Parade a reality in 2015.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to City Council's Office of Veteran's Affairs, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End