Roxborough Thanks Veterans, Armed Forces

The Roxborough community gathered in Gorgas Park Sunday to thanks veterans and spur larger funding from the government to protect troops during and after service. 

The 21st Ward Veterans Association hosted its annual Veterans Day observance Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. In addition to hailing the men and women who serve the United States, organizers called on state and federal officials to better fund veterans organizations.

Bruce Hoffman, president for the Roxborough-Manayunk veterans group, oversaw the ceremony, which featured a 21-gun salute, taps and a wreath laying.

"The 21st Ward is always one of the first to answer the call to serve from the Revolutionary War to Operation Enduring Freedom," he said. 

In addition to thanking veterans, Hoffman credited citizen organizations for their aid to enlisted men and women. He criticized the government for insufficient supplies. 

"It's unconscionable to send our men and women overseas without deploying enough supplies. It's organizations like Operation Bedding and Northwest Vets that help them."

Bruce Driscole, judge advocate of the American Legion Henry Houston Post 3, encouraged all veterans to join national veterans associations.

"We are becoming second-class citizens. We need people in Washington to us help fight against these budget cuts," he said. "If you don't have membership in a veterans organization, you have no voice."

The recently reelected State Rep. Pamela DeLissio (D-194) spoke about a new state law that allows veterans who start small businesses to get priority on government contracts. 

Additionally, while visiting the polls on Election Day, the Roxborough resident remembered one reason veterans serve.

"I was reminded that the opportunity to cast a vote is the directly result of all military men and women who have served us for decades and centuries," she said.

Find more information on Operation Bedding at its Facebook page.