89R4674 TBO-D
By: Tepper H.C.R. No. 7
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, For 125 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States has rendered exceptional service to former members of
our nation's armed forces; and
WHEREAS, The VFW traces its origins to 1899, when veterans of
the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War founded
local organizations in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania to advocate
for their rights and secure benefits such as medical care and
pensions; the movement quickly gained momentum, and the groups
banded together to form the VFW; today, the organization and the VFW
Auxiliary boast memberships totaling more than 1.4 million; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the VFW has supported a wide
range of veterans' benefits programs, and it has offered guidance
to countless former service members in their transition back to
civilian life; in addition, the organization has made a positive
impact in local communities, and it has distinguished itself as a
national leader on issues important to veterans and their families;
and
WHEREAS, The VFW's many contributions have included
advocating for the establishment of the Veterans Administration
(now known as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) and the
national cemetery system, fighting for improved health care for
women veterans, and providing funds for a number of memorials
honoring military service members; the organization has also played
an instrumental role in the passage of legislation such as the GI
Bill for the 21st Century in 2008, the Veterans Access, Choice, and
Accountability Act of 2014, the 2019 Blue Water Navy Vietnam
Veterans Act, and the 2022 Honoring Our PACT Act; and
WHEREAS, Americans owe a profound debt of gratitude to the
military personnel who put themselves in harm's way to defend our
safety, security, and freedom, and the VFW is indeed deserving of
special recognition for its efforts to ensure that veterans receive
the support and appreciation they deserve; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate September 29 as Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States Day; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in
effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is
finally passed by the legislature.