Today, Commissioners continued their commitment to honoring Franklin County’s veterans, and active duty members of the U.S. Military, by joining MILVETS, the city of Columbus, the Franklin County Veterans Service Commission and residents at the 2007 Veterans’ Day Parade.
As part of the county’s commitment to our veterans and active duty personnel, Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution in August 2007 that established an Active Duty Employee Benefit. The resolution allows employees under the appointing authority of the Board of Commissioners who are called to Active Duty in the National Guard or Military Reserves for one year or more to be eligible for a benefit equaling five hundred dollars per child. This action resulted in Franklin County being named a 5-Star Employer by the Ohio Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
Furthermore, earlier this year, Commissioners were awarded with the Chairman’s Above and Beyond Award, an acknowledgement intended to honor outstanding employers who have gone above and beyond the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) for the past year.
“Honoring the veterans who have served our country so bravely is a priority for Commissioners,” said Commission President Mary Jo Kilroy. “By participating in today’s parade and adopting resolutions that assist our veterans and their families, we recognize and thank them for their dedication.”
Commissioner Paula Brooks noted that, “We must honor and revere our veterans every day, not just on Veterans Day. These brave men and women deserve more than a holiday. Veterans and their families have sacrificed much for our country and our freedom. God bless them.”
“Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have fought and gave their lives for our great country,” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “It is important that we pay tribute to them and continue to provide the necessary services that they need to live a healthy life. Veterans’ day is not just one day; we should honor these brave men and women and their families everyday.”
Today’s annual Veterans Day Parade was one of 20 recognized events in the nation, and featured Grand Marshall Ron Rosser, Korean War recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The 121ST AIR FUELING WING represented the Air Force as the Honorary Grand Marshals in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the USAF.
