Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Kick-Off July 4th Celebrations, Ring Closing Bell at NASDAQ

Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, rang the Closing Bell at The NASDAQ Stock Market in New York City.  IAVA Board Member and Afghanistan veteran Wes Moore lead the ceremony, joined by IAVA member veterans from the Tri-State area.  Click here [1] to watch the video recap!

[2]

“I am honored to ring NASDAQ’s Closing Bell with my fellow veterans today. As we close the markets before the July 4th holiday, we must pause and remember all those in uniform who have sacrificed for our nation, and those still serving on the frontlines today,” said IAVA Board Member and Afghanistan veteran Wes Moore.

In the first six months of 2009, there has been significant progress on the most pressing issues facing new veterans, especially in the areas of employment, education, healthcare, and benefits. In addition, with the expansion of the National Veteran Support Campaign, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans now have a thriving online community (www.CommunityofVeterans.org [3]) to help them connect with one another and access critical resources. IAVA has also expanded its network of veterans and supporters and held local events in communities across the country, from the Pat Tillman memorial Run in Phoenix, to the Sprint Palm Pre Launch Event in Los Angeles to the Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. 

“This Independence Day, our troops and veterans have real cause for celebration. In the last six months, Americans, in local communities and in Washington, have worked together to prioritize the needs of troops, veterans, and their families. There could not be a stronger demonstration of patriotism,” said IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.

• Want to follow live updates from IAVA's trip to NASDAQ?  Follow IAVA on Twitter at @IAVAPressroom. [4]
• Join the movement!  Click here [5] to become an IAVA Member Veteran or Supporter.
• To see photos from when IAVA rang the closing bell at NASDAQ on New Year’s Eve 2008, click here [6].