LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Vietnam
Veterans of America, Orange County Chapter 140

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend and
support the purposeful cause of the Vietnam Veterans of America, recog-
nizing its long and sustained commitment to the principles of democracy
and freedom so revered by this State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 30th Anniversary of Vietnam Veterans of America, Orange County
Chapter 140 in Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1978, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is the
only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered
and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families;
and
WHEREAS, The VVA's main goals are to promote and support the full
range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity
for this generation of former service members, and to change public
perception of Vietnam veterans; and
WHEREAS, On April 17, 1985, VVA Orange County Chapter 140 received its
Certification of Incorporation after meeting the requirements to form
their own local chapter in Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, For the past three decades, the members of this esteemed
veterans organization have provided outstanding service to the community
through participation in such local projects and events as informative
visits to area schools, and numerous efforts to raise awareness of
issues affecting Vietnam War veterans; and
WHEREAS, Members of VVA Orange County Chapter 140 have participated in
the dedication of the Three Soldiers Statue in Washington, D.C., the
Welcome Home Parade in New York City, and the 1986 Chicago Parade; in
addition, members place a memorial wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memo-
rial in Washington each Memorial Day; and
WHEREAS, VVA Orange County Chapter 140 has also accomplished many
special achievements and projects including the dedication of the Orange
County Veterans Memorial in Newburgh, the dedication of the Korean and
Vietnam War Memorials in Port Jervis, and the dedication of a monument
honoring veterans of the War on Terrorism; and
WHEREAS, Active in the community, VVA Orange County Chapter 140 has
held numerous fundraisers for such worthy causes as 2 Chapter Scholar-
ships, the Little League Special Olympics Team, Orange County Food
Pantry, Marine Corps Toys for Tots, and Adopt-A-Platoon; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, VVA Orange County Chapter 140 has been a leader
throughout the years in promoting the use of the POW/MIA flag, along
with the Stars and Stripes, honoring their solemn pledge to "Never
Forget"; and
WHEREAS, The occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the founding of VVA
Orange County Chapter 140 is a time to pause and reflect on the organ-
ization's history of paying reverent tribute to the men and women who
served their country in defense of its ideals of democracy and freedom;
and
WHEREAS, VVA Orange County Chapter 140 continues to uphold this proud
tradition, accomplishing its mission and performing its good deeds in a
spirit of comradeship true to the highest traditions of the Vietnam
Veterans of America; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
devoted leadership of the Post's outstanding Commanders, both present
and past, and the absolute commitment of its many proud members, noting

the role played by this exceptional organization and recognizing the
significance of the contributions and sacrifices of the membership of
the Vietnam Veterans of America, Orange County Chapter 140; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the founding of Vietnam Veterans of
America, Orange County Chapter 140; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Orange County Chapter 140,
Middletown, New York.