Amata Appreciates Inaugural Day of Honor for Disabled Veterans in Ceremony Near Capitol
Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata was pleased to attend the Inaugural Commemoration of the Day of Honor for American Veterans Disabled for Life at a special ceremony near the U.S. Capitol on their beautiful Memorial grounds.
Amata with philanthropist Lois Pope, and Rep. Lois Frankel. Also pictured, veterans Paul Rieckhoff and Don Overton.
"American Samoa has the highest rate of enlistment of any U.S. state or territory, and we're very proud of our veterans and the sacrifices they make," Aumua Amata said. "Everyone who puts on the uniform of an American service man or woman knows they could be called upon to take great personal risk. This special ceremony specifically recognized those who sacrifice physical health and carry the lifelong scars of their heroic service."
Amata with a veteran in attendance.
The event at the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial included remarks by Dr. David Shulkin, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs; U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois; U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel of Florida, who introduced the resolution creating the Day of Honor; Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff; veteran Don Overton; and advocate Lois Pope, who promoted the construction of the Memorial. The audience also heard an invocation by Military Chaplain Carl Barnes, and singing by the children's chorus of Hoffman-Boston Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia, and flags were presented by a Navy Color Guard.
Secretary Shulkin greets Amata before the ceremony.
"Since this Memorial's dedication in 2014, it has added another beautiful spot to the areas near the Capitol where it belongs," continued Congresswoman Amata. "I appreciate everyone who worked hard to put on this ceremony, including Secretary of Veterans Affairs Schulkin, the brave veterans, and the charming children's chorus."
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