Media
IAVA Joins Rally to Celebrate Passage of Historic Veterans Bill
NEW YORK (November 9, 2015) — Tomorrow, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will join New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Member Eric Ulrich and fellow veterans for a rally to celebrate the vote on historic legislation establishing a Department of Veterans’ Services in New York City. As one if its highest local policy priorities, IAVA has called for the bill to be voted on immediately and is encouraged by Mayor de Blasio’s last minute reversal of his long-standing opposition to create this vital office.
“This is a tremendous victory for the veterans movement,” said Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA Founder and CEO. “Mayor de Blasio’s long-standing opposition was the final barrier to establishing New York City as a national leader for veterans. Now that the Mayor has finally come to his senses and joined the veterans community in its overwhelming support for this bill, we look forward to his support on other initiatives. The passage of this bill will be a truly historic Veterans Day gift for veteran activists across New York City—and nationwide. We look forward to turning over a new leaf and to working with the Mayor to help make our already great city the best in America for veterans.”
Paul Rieckhoff will provide remarks and will be joined by IAVA senior leadership and IAVA members from the around the country who will descend on New York City for Veterans Week.
WHAT: Veterans Rally to Celebrate the vote of the Veterans Services Department Bill
WHO: The Veterans Committee of the New York
City Council
Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York City Council Speaker
Eric Ulrich, New York City Council Member
Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA Founder and CEO
REGISTRATION: Admission is free to all IAVA members and other interested participants can register here.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 10, 2015, 11:00 a.m. (Media and IAVA members should arrive by 10:45 a.m.)
WHERE: Steps of New York City Hall, New York, NY 10007
Note to media: To RSVP email Greg Mitchell at gmitchell@council.nyc.gov or 917.763.7549.