A SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS
By Senator Michael A. O'Pake

          Reading, October 27, 2006 -- Each fall, Americans honor those who have served in our armed forces through the observance of Veteran’s Day (November 11). 
          For the past few years, this commemoration has taken on additional poignancy as a new generation of Americans experiences the honor and the tragedy of serving in a hostile environment overseas.  
          The war in Iraq has disrupted the lives of thousands of Pennsylvania families as our National Guard is being tested like no time in the past 50 years.  More than 21,000 Pennsylvania Guard members have been deployed since September 11, 2001.  More than 100 members from towns large and small, from Erie to Philadelphia, have died.  
          While Guard soldiers and their families understand the risks and responsibilities when they commit to service, the Iraq war has put unprecedented pressure on these soldiers and their families.  Their service has been far longer and riskier than anyone could have predicted.  And the situation in Iraq remains far from resolved.  
          With that in mind, the Pennsylvania legislature has stepped up to increase our commitment to these brave soldiers as they have been asked to step up their commitment to us.       
          I co-sponsored Senate Bill 1043, providing active duty National Guard soldiers an additional $250,000 in life insurance coverage to a total of $400,000.  The new law also waives tuition costs and fees at state-owned and state-related colleges and universities, approved trade schools and community colleges for the children and spouses of National Guard soldiers killed in the line of duty.      
          At the same time, lawmakers have had to adjust to the unexpectedly long service of these troops and extend certain deadlines – from education loans to income taxes – to accommodate our troops overseas.      
          In response to the despicable actions of some so-called religious groups, the legislature responded to the requests of soldier’s families by banning protests at the funeral of a soldier killed in action.  We have also created a program providing emergency financial relief for Guard families.      
          As the war in Iraq goes on far longer than anyone expected or predicted, it is likely that we will be asking more of our men and women in uniform.  At the same time, we will remain ready to do what we can to reduce the burden on our soldiers and their families in Pennsylvania.
          While we continue to monitor the well being of our current generation of veterans, we are still remembering the service of their parents and grandparents.      
          The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is now issuing special license plates for Korean War vets.         
          Act 82 of 2006 created the special license plate honoring the Korean Defense Service Medal recipients.  The cost of a special license plate is a one-time $20 fee in addition to the regular annual registration fee for the vehicle.         
          Applications for the new license plate are available at www.dmv.state.pa.us.  PennDot is permitted to required documentation to determine eligibility for the special plate.         
          In 2004, the US Congress authorized the Korean Defense Service Medal to give special recognition for the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the armed forces who have served or are serving in the Republic of Korea, including the surrounding waters and airspace, since the signing of the cease-fire in July 1953.          
          Nearly 400,000 servicemen and women from the US armed forces have served in the Republic of Korea in the past 50 years.          
          In observance of Flag Day, I sponsored a program at Albright College honoring and thanking Berks County Veterans for the sacrifices they have made to protect and preserve the rights and freedoms we enjoy as Americans.  At the event, each veteran received a personalized Senate congratulatory citation and commemorative pin.  To date, I have recognized about 250 veterans.  If you know a veteran who was unable to attend the event and who would like to receive a congratulatory citation and pin, please contact my Reading office at 610-929-2151. 
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