The stories of more recent veterans should also not be overlooked, he said.
“Just as important are the lessons we can learn from the new ‘greatest generation,’ our young men and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “These veterans can provide a critical perspective on the challenges we face in combating terrorism in the 21st century."
Other representatives participated in regional ceremonies and Assemblyman Cameron Smyth used the day to announce the recipient of his district’s Veteran of the Year award.
Smyth named a former Vietnam helicopter pilot, Simi Valley resident Wayne Wright, as winner of the honor for the 38th Assembly District, according to a news release;
Wright was distinguished by his more than 600-hour volunteer contribution to serving fellow veterans in need as part of the Veterans of Foreign Wars community involvement efforts.
Smyth opted to offer the award to a member of his district because of his respect for veterans that stems from his family’s participation in the military, he said in a statement.
“My father served in the military, and my brother is currently serving in the Air Force,” Smyth said. “Naming a Veteran of the Year is a responsibility and decision that I take very seriously.”
Cities unite against cuts in Web campaign
The League of California Cities, in its ongoing effort to push back against a proposal from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to borrow up to $2 billion in local property taxes to help balance the state’s 2009-10 fiscal year budget, has launched its “Save Your City” Web campaign, which features online videos of city officials talking about how the provision would effect local public services.
The league has attacked Schwarzenegger’s proposal as “fiscally irresponsible” at a time when dozens of cities have already adopted resolutions of extraordinary financial hardships due to precipitous decline in revenues to support essential public services, such as police and fire.
Neither Burbank nor Glendale, despite the need to cut millions from their own budgets, have yet to pass similar resolutions, or add to the league’s online video archive. Both cities are members of the league and stand to lose a combined $7.5 million under Schwarzenegger’s proposed borrowing plan.
While the money would eventually have to be paid back, with interest, city officials have decried the plan as yet another undue burden on local government to sustain state coffers.
In addition to city officials, the League of California Cities is encouraging other city-dependent organizations and nonprofits to join the online campaign.
— Jason Wells and Zain Shauk
