Veterans Day 2011 Unites New Veterans Nationwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 10, 2011

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Veterans Day 2011 Unites New Veterans Nationwide

Hundreds March in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, NYC and San Francisco;
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Available for Media

NEW YORK – Following an inspirational Fifth Annual Heroes Gala, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, announced a full schedule of open press activities to commemorate an historic Veterans Day (11/11/11). On the ground, IAVA is bringing together veterans and civilian supporters at parades and ceremonies nationwide to show the country that new veterans are a smart investment in America’s future. Members of the media are encouraged to attend local events in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York City and San Francisco where IAVA Member Veterans will be available for interviews.

“This Veterans Day (11/11/11) isn’t just a symbolic date. It’s an important milestone for the 2.3 million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans after a decade of war and sacrifice. Across the country, thousands of IAVA Member Veterans and Supporters will unite today to remind Americans what this New Greatest Generation stands and strives for. Iraq and Afghanistan vets represent less than one percent of Americans. They’ve led our country overseas but hundreds of thousands are now fighting for jobs and opportunities to lead at home,” said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.

“In October, new veteran unemployment was 12.1 percent. Over 240,000 veterans were out searching for jobs. This Veterans Day, more than ever, has to be about more than empty speeches and ceremonies thanking vets for their service. In Washington, the Vow to Hire Heroes Act is picking up traction in the Senate, but we need Americans nationwide to get involved. New veterans have the skills and experience to lead in business, government and in our local communities -- and we need opportunities to prove it. From New York to San Francisco, the entire country needs to recognize that this generation of vets is a smart investment in America’s future – not just on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.”

Hundreds of IAVA Member Veterans and Supporters will participate in Veterans Day parades and ceremonies in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York City and San Francisco to lay the groundwork for veteran career fairs over the coming year. To learn more about our events on the ground and how to get involved, visit IAVA’s Veterans Day HQ here.

New York City: On Friday, November 11th, over 400 IAVA Member Veterans will lead the nation’s largest Veterans Day Parade up historic Fifth Avenue in New York City. Creative Artists Agency (CAA) will sponsor a continental breakfast for members before the march. Immediately following the parade, IAVA will host an after party sponsored by SpikeTV at The Prince George Ballroom for local members and supporters. Food, drinks and entertainment will be provided. IAVA staff will be on hand to answer veterans’ questions about jobs, the GI Bill, Community of Veterans and more. Click here for parade and after party details. The events are open press and media are highly encouraged to attend.

San Francisco: Following the success of IAVA’s first Smart Job Fair in October, IAVA Member Veterans from the Bay Area will lead San Francisco’s annual Veterans Day Parade on Friday, November 11th. On the ground, IAVA members will meet with state and local officials before the parade to discuss local employment initiatives for veterans. Following the parade, Wells Fargo will sponsor an after party at 50 Mason Social House for IAVA members and their families. Click here for details.

Atlanta: To commemorate Veterans Day, 100 IAVA Member Veterans will march in the annual Atlanta Veterans Day parade kicking off on Saturday, November 12th at Hardy Ivy Park. On Sunday, November 13th, 90 IAVA members and their guests will watch the Atlanta Falcons face-off against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome courtesy of IAVA’s partnership with Miller High Life. Before the game, members will enjoy a exclusive pregame party at the ATL Lounge and then join the Atlanta Falcons Flag Crew to unfurl the flag on-field for player introductions. Click here for details.

Dallas: Over 100 IAVA Member Veterans and their families from across Texas will participate in Dallas’ Annual Veterans Day parade on Friday, November 11^th. Beginning at Dallas City Hall Plaza, the march will commence with an after party organized by local veterans at Hooters West End. Click here for details.

Chicago: On Friday, November 11^th, over 130 IAVA Member Veterans from the Chicago-area will join Mayor Rahm Emanuel and local leaders for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Soldier Field. Immediately following the ceremony, IAVA will host an after party for local vets and their families at Bar Louie, who will provide food and drinks for free. Click here for details.

If you are a member of the media who wishes to arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or another IAVA Member Veteran, please contact Isabel Black at (212) 982-9699 or isabel@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.

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