November 10, 2011

Friday: Manchin to Mark Veterans Day at Events

Senator Manchin also releases statement on importance of Veterans Day during two conflicts overseas

**FTP, Audio and Web Video Available**

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will participate in Charleston’s 69th annual Veteran’s Day parade and ceremony, attend the West Virginia’s Female Veteran Memorial Statue Unveiling Ceremony and tour the Roark–Sullivan Lifeway Center to honor America’s military men and women on Veteran’s Day. More details about the events are below. 

“With thousands of brave men and women serving our country in two wars overseas, this Veterans Day is an important time to thank them, their families, and all who have served for everything they have sacrificed to protect our freedom. 

“To those of you who have served, are serving now or have loved ones who have stood up for our country, I want to personally thank you for all that you do. 

“It is thanks to your bravery and fierce patriotism that all Americans enjoy the greatest liberties and freedoms in the world. The sacrifices you make every day and your willingness to put your lives on the line should remind all of us that despite any political differences we might have, we all share one very important value – we are all Americans. 

“It is our pride in America, our freedoms, and our way of life that should unite us today and every day. 

“This is especially true in our little state. I have always said that West Virginia is the most patriotic state in the nation because we have such a long tradition of service and so many West Virginians are or have been part of our armed services. 

“We also have the best National Guard in the country, whose members have taken on an increasingly important role in keeping all of us safe. These citizen-soldiers not only sacrifice time away from their families and careers, but have also put their lives on the line for all of us.  

“Many of you know that as Governor, I made sure that veterans were a major priority for our state. In my new role in the U.S. Senate – especially as a member of the Armed Services Committee with a voice on critical military issues – keeping our promises to veterans remains one of my top priorities.

“So this Veterans Day, I ask all West Virginians to join me in taking a moment to reflect and thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice to our country, and remembering those who lost their lives in defense of this country. For those serving today, we continue to pray for their safety and speedy return home to their families and the great state of West Virginia. 

“It is because of you that we can proudly proclaim “Mountaineers Are Always Free.” 

“God bless you, God bless West Virginia, and may God continue to bless America – and all our brave men and women in the military.” 

**For Planning Purposes**

Public/Media Schedule for Senator Joe Manchin

FRIDAY, November 11, 2011

Charleston’s 69th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade 

When: 10 a.m.        
Where: Parade begins at the intersection of Kanawha Boulevard and Capitol Street. 
What: Senator Manchin will walk in the Charleston Veteran’s Day Parade and deliver remarks following the parade. 

Charleston Parade Ceremony 

When: 10:50 a.m.
Where: Haddad Riverfront Park, Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston.
What:Senator Manchin will speak at a ceremony following the Charleston Parade.

West Virginia’s Female Veteran Memorial Statue Unveiling Ceremony

When: 12 p.m.
Where: State Capitol Complex, War Memorial, Charleston. 
What:Senator Manchin will deliver remarks at the West Virginia’s Female Veteran Memorial Statue Unveiling Ceremony.

Roark-Sullivan Lifeway Center

When: 1:30 p.m.
Where: 1015 Smith Street, Charleston.
What:Senator Manchin will tour the Roark–Sullivan Lifeway Center and speak with veterans.

Senator Manchin also released the following statement to mark Veterans Day. The statement is available on FTP, audio and the web. 

FTP footage is available here:

HD: http://gp1d.senate.gov/sdmc/Manchin/111011_MANCHIN_1_FTP.M2T
SD: http://gp1d.senate.gov/sdmc/Manchin/111011_MANCHIN_1_FTP.MPG

Audio is available here:

http://gp1d.senate.gov/sdmc/Manchin/111011_MANCHIN_1_RADIO.mp3

Web Video is available here:

http://gp1d.senate.gov/sdmc/Manchin/111011_MANCHIN_1_WEB_HD.mp4

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