Veterans celebrated at Democratic club meeting

Veterans Day lasted well into the month of November.

A group of elected officials gathered at the United Progressive Democratic Club on Tuesday, November 17 to give their personal thanks to some of the nation’s bravest who have served in the name of freedom.

The event – hosted by Assemblymember William Colton, Councilmember Mark Treyger and Democratic District Leaders Nancy Tong, Ari Kagan and Charlie Ragusa – also squared in on efforts to better the lives of veterans.

“We must always give back and honor veterans who have granted us this freedom we have come to take for granted,” said Colton, stressing that, this year, the Assembly unanimously passed legislation that would direct key state agencies to gather information on the state’s homeless veterans and their children so that the government may better support them.

On a personal level, Colton has fought for better job opportunities for veterans and against the closing of the VA Hospital Unit. “It is a small token of appreciation for all that the veterans have risked while serving our country,” he said.

“Every Veteran’s Day, service members of all branches are honored,” noted Tong. “We need to make sure the same thankful attitude is given to them every day of the year instead of just annually on Veteran’s Day. They are the unsung heroes who have fought to gain and maintain the great freedom we cherish today.”

The meeting concluded with the awarding of citations to every veteran in the room.

“Thank you for your service,” said Treyger. “Today and every day.”

The United Progressive Democratic Club is located at 29 Bay 25th Street.