New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar is inviting veterans from all military branches and generations of service to the “Voices of Veterans” celebration on November 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Elizabeth Blackwell Middle School (M.S. 210Q), 93-11 101st Avenue in Ozone Park, according to a statement from her office.
Rajkumar established the program last year with the school’s principal, Kuljit Singh, Assistant Principal Jessica Heron, and Coordinator of Student Activities Amarilis Torello to connect veterans with younger generations. The celebration will now become an annual tradition, giving students an opportunity to hear directly from veterans about “service, sacrifice, and leadership,” the statement said.
“The students honor the veterans in return with poetry, artwork, and music,” the statement added.
During this year’s celebration, Rajkumar will present official New York State recognition to veterans in attendance on behalf of the State Assembly. The program will also honor those who died in service to the United States.
Advertisement
“Love of our country must be passed from one generation to the next,” Rajkumar said. “That is why I founded ‘Voices of Veterans’ last year, and why it will now be an annual tradition. I want every child to understand that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans were secured through the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of our veterans.
“We have a special responsibility to pass our American values to the next generation. To every veteran in our community: you are our honored guests. Join us, share your stories, and help inspire the next generation of Americans,” she added.
According to the statement, the Veterans’ Affairs Committee was the first committee assignment Rajkumar requested upon entering the Assembly. Her work on the committee has focused on expanding employment opportunities and access to mental health care for veterans.
The statement highlighted legislation she passed to expand employment assistance for veterans with disabilities (A4751A), require certificates of honorable separation to be forwarded to local veterans’ service agencies within 60 days to help connect veterans with benefits and support (A4649A), and strengthen job protections for National Guard members called away from civilian employment (A3710).
Rajkumar has also secured funding for local veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion in Woodhaven, and participates in Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies throughout South Queens, her office said.
