In recognition of the extreme sacrifices made by the men and women of the United States Military, members of the Legislature deemed Monday, Feb. 22 Veterans’ Visibility Day to honor the state’s sons and daughters who dedicated themselves in service to this country…and ultimately to each West Virginian.
While many young people associate our country’s defense with the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, few remember the sacrifices made by the generations who paved the road to freedom. Because of their valor, courage and sense of loyalty to the United States, America has become a great nation.
As such, both the House and Senate introduced and adopted resolutions commemorating West Virginia veterans of all wars and conflicts in special floor ceremonies. In attendance were individuals representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America, Korean War Veterans Association, the West Virginia Veterans Coalition, the Barboursville Veterans’ home and the West Virginia Marine Corps, to mention a few of the groups participating. Of the 25 million veterans currently alive, nearly three of four veterans have served during a war or an official period of hostility, which is about an eighth of the nation’s population.
Aware of the sacrifices made by service personnel, lawmakers acted on measures designed to support, acknowledge and address some specific issues facing these men and women.
As a result of overwhelming support from citizens in approving an amendment to the State Constitution entitled the Veterans Bonus Amendment of 2004, lawmakers passed a measure which will allow a funding stream to provide cash bonuses to veterans of the Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts in line with prior support for West Virginia soldiers of all wars and conflicts.
House Bill 2285 will provide a bonus of $400 or $600, depending on whether a veteran fought inside or outside a combat zone.
Another bill passed this week relates to the time-honored tradition of playing Taps. In 1874, the playing of Taps was officially recognized by the United States Army and soon thereafter became a somberly routine occurrence at military funerals. For many throughout the years, the notes played by lone buglers stirred profound memories and evoked strong, long standing emotions. And today, Taps lingers as one of the most easily-recognizable and historically-significant melodies in American history.
“There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.”
– Master Sergeant Jari A Villanueva, Military Bugler and Brass Historian, speaking in reference to the playing of Taps.
Sadly though, qualified musicians for military funerals have become increasingly scarce in recent years. Recognizing and embracing the long and rich tradition of Taps, state lawmakers passed a bill intended to fill this regrettable void. House Bill 2286 encourages and rewards West Virginia students to play Taps at military funerals.
The State Board of Education will work with county school boards and state colleges and universities to implement programs in schools designed to train students in this most distinguished service. Students could receive community service hours and excuses from school for any time spent at a funeral during school hours.
Lawmakers also are working to honor other servicemen and women in a bill that was introduced in the Senate last week. The service of many of West Virginia’s military personnel involves the National Guard, the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation’s longest-enduring institutions.
Currently, there are roughly 6,100 West Virginians serving in the National Guard. More than 850 guardsmen are presently mobilized for active military operations, according to the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS).
The National Guard provides states with immediate resources and trained responses to disasters and equips the United States military with soldiers ready to protect the ideals of freedom and democracy. Understanding the importance the National Guard has on all aspects of West Virginians’ lives, members of the Legislature introduced Senate Bill 252.
The measure, if passed by both bodies would provide reimbursement for those Guardsmen who pay premiums to the federal Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance program, a group life insurance policy available for active duty servicemembers, ready reservists, cadets and midshipmen of the four service academies and members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps in an amount of up to $250,000.
The bill would pay back the $20 monthly premiums paid by those enrolled in the program as a way to recognize and support the efforts of our servicemen and women. The bill makes specific reference to the extended periods of active duty our National Guard members are facing, sometimes adding unintended financial burdens to their families. An appropriation of $1.2 million is estimated to fully fund this program.
Recognizing the commitment of West Virginia veterans and members of the military has always been a top priority of the Legislature. Lawmakers continually work to pass legislation to lighten the burdens West Virginia soldiers are bearing daily in order to restore freedom throughout the world and to ensure West Virginia remains a safe, yet wild and wonderful place to call home.
