Ahead of Super Bowl, IAVA Calls on the President, New York and Boston Mayors to Hold Ticker Tape Parades Honoring Iraq Veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

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NEW YORK- Today, in advance of Super Bowl XLVI, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the country’s first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, called on the President, New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, and Mayors and government officials nationwide to organize a National Day of Action and parades to celebrate veterans of the Iraq War. Following the success of the recent Welcome Home Our Heroes parade in St. Louis, IAVA is focused on rallying Americans and local communities nationwide to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s Iraq veterans, and building an extensive grassroots campaign to channel critical employment, education and transitional resources to returning troops and their families on the homefront. Americans can sign IAVA’s petition calling on the President, New York Mayor Bloomberg, Boston Mayor Menino, and Mayors and government officials nationwide to organize a National Day of Action at: www.iava.org/welcomehome.

On the ground at Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff will also join Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, two-time Super Bowl winner and long-time IAVA supporter Coach Bill Cowher, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, PeopleScout and executives from several Fortune 500 companies for a press conference to unveil a new Veteran Hiring Initiative. As part of the announcement, Rieckhoff will participate in a panel with executives from Delta Air Lines, Burger King, Fifth Third Bank, Avis Budget Group and SeatonCorp. about innovative ways to improve veteran recruiting programs. The press conference will start at 11:45am CST at the Canterbury Hotel, 123 S. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225. Media are invited to attend.

“If the Giants and Patriots can get a victory parade, why not Iraq veterans? This Super Bowl weekend is a critical moment to put the spotlight on our country’s real heroes. The Iraq War has ended, over one million veterans have served and over 4,400 gave their lives. No matter the outcome of this game, our men and women in uniform have more than earned the honor of a ticker-tape parade in the Canyon of Heroes. We’re asking Americans nationwide to step up before kick-off this Sunday and petition the President and the Mayors of New York and Boston to lead a National Day of Action to properly honor Iraq veterans’ service and sacrifice,” said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. “In January, St. Louis was the first city in the nation to welcome home veterans of Iraq with a homecoming parade. It was a historic event. But it shouldn’t be the last. Thousands of Americans from all backgrounds turned out to say 'Thank You' and show their appreciation. It was also a key model for how communities can directly connect new veterans and their families with employment, education, housing and other critical resources for the transition home. Some of our nation’s leaders disagree that now is the time to celebrate our returning veterans. All Americans know that the fight is not yet over--not in Afghanistan and not at home. But if our country can afford two wars, it can afford two parades and more for our vets to show them that we’ve got their backs.”

“As a coach, I know firsthand the intensity and dedication that the players bring to this Super Bowl. But it pales in comparison to the service and sacrifice of our service members and veterans during the past 10 years of war,” said Bill Cowher, former Pittsburgh Steelers coach and two-time Super Bowl winner, current NFL commentator for “The NFL Today” and long-time IAVA supporter.  “I’m honored to help put the spotlight on our veterans and their families this Super Bowl weekend. These men and women deserve the support of our entire country. We owe them nothing less.”

To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, Coach Bill Cowher or another IAVA Member Veteran, contact Michelle McCarthy, 212-982-9699, michelle@iava.org. 

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 200,000 Member Veterans and civilian supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.