WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today the designation of 54 regional Veterans Day observances.  These sites are recognized as model events for the observance of Veterans Day on November 11. 

“On Veterans Day we celebrate the lives and legacy of America’s 23 million living Veterans,” said Shinseki.  “From the National Veterans Day observance to regional celebrations nationwide, I encourage all Americans to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our Veterans for their service.” 

Shinseki is Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee, which is comprised of representatives from 41 organizations dedicated to serving and supporting America’s Veterans.  Founded in 1954, the committee’s mission is to promote the observance of Veterans Day nationwide.  Each year, the committee recognizes regional observances – including parades, ceremonies and concerts – that are dedicated to celebrating and honoring America’s Veterans of all eras.  

The 2010 Veterans Day Regional Sites are:  Birmingham, Mobile, and Montgomery, Ala.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Palm Springs and Sacramento, Calif.; Loveland, Colo.; Hartford, Conn.; New Castle, Del.; Brevard Community College-Coco Campus, and Weirsdale, Fla.; Atlanta and Dawson County, Ga.; Emporia, Leavenworth and Valley Center, Kan.; Bossier-Shreveport, Bossier City and Slidell, La.; Brunswick, Md.; Sherborn, Mass.; Detroit, Farmington Hills, Mason, and Lansing, Mich.; Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Biloxi and Kosciusko, Miss.; St. Louis, Mo.; Northfield, N.J.; New York, N.Y.; Charlotte, Fayetteville, Morehead City and Warsaw, N.C.; Columbus and North Olmsted, Ohio; Ponca City, Okla.; Albany and Portland, Ore.; Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Penn.; North Charleston, S.C.; Gatlinburg and Nashville, Tenn.; Austin, Bonham, Dallas and Houston, Texas; Virginia Beach, Va.; Auburn, Port Angeles, Vancouver and West Richland, Wash.; and Milwaukee, Wis.  

For more information about the Veterans Day regional site program, including an application for the 2011 observance, log onto the Veterans Day Web site at http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/regsites.asp

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