july/august 2007

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello, Springfield!

BY JOHN ROWAN
As you read this, many of you will be at the National Convention. Enjoy yourself, but take time to participate in the debates and discussions. The future of the organization will be the result of your actions. The Resolutions and the Constitutional changes that are approved will provide direction to the Directors and Officers for the next two years.

Memorial Day in Washington, D.C., was a magnificent experience, as always.

Thanks to Jan Scruggs and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, I was given the privilege of speaking at the ceremony at The Wall. We also had a contingent in the Memorial Day parade and received a wonderful reception. And, of course, Rolling Thunder showed up with thousands of motorcycles.

Our work on Capitol Hill continues unabated. We’ve testified in the House and Senate at every opportunity. Even National Secretary Barry Hagge had a chance to present testimony. It seems that one of our principles must be restated. Let it be absolutely clear: VVA intends to maintain excellent relationships with both Democrats and Republicans. The Democrats are in control of Congress for now and will generate more interest, but we will not ignore the Republican minority.

In June, I traveled to Buffalo, New York, to take part in the Buffalo/Niagara to Baghdad event at the Seneca Nation Casino Hotel at Niagara Falls. This was a local version of our Broadway to Baghdad event held in New York City last year. The Seneca Nation were gracious hosts, which is not surprising since their leaders are Vietnam veterans.

In my last President's Message, I mentioned my outreach to the Free and Accepted Masons. Now we are reaching out to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the USA. If you are an Elk, please contact me at jrowan@vva.org

Meanwhile, I again urge you to make your plans for the VVA parade celebrating the 25th Anniversary of The Wall on November 10th. We can help with your travel arrangements, whether for a couple, a chapter, or an entire organization. Go to www.vva.org and click on the “25th Anniversary” link for more details.