Honoring Veterans Concludes With New Bills

Times-Journal - Fort Payne, AL, USA

By Jared Felkins
The Times-Journal

Published February 20, 2009

Sen. Lowell Barron led the effort in the state Senate Thursday to honor Alabama's veterans, not only recognizing their sacrifice for our country but also helping to pass several bills to assist them.

Barron arranged for the “Veterans’ Day at the Legislature” to give state lawmakers the opportunity to thank them for their service.

The Senate passed several bills to honor veterans, including authorizing the display of POW-MIA flags at state buildings, parks and rest areas; exempting retired soldiers from license taxes and registration fees for one car; allowing spouses of retired military personnel or reservists to receive the distinctive tag for retired military; and streamlining the payment process for residents in state veteran homes.

“These bills are our contribution to you, but they pale in comparison to the contributions you have made to us and our country,” said Sen. Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe. “We stand here in the freest nation on earth, not by accident, but by will, determination, hard work and sacrifice of the outstanding men and women in our armed services. You are the shining examples of what makes America so great.”

Thursday’s passage of bills is in addition to veteran legislation passed earlier in this year's session. The Senate Democratic Caucus also expanded the education benefits of children and spouses of those killed, disabled or missing in action in the line of duty. This bill gives these spouses and children free tuition, fees and books at any college, university or trade school in Alabama for five years, an increase of one year over current Alabama law.

“This was the first time in my tenure we have had a veterans day in the Legislature,” said retired Rear Admiral Clyde Marsh, director of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. “It was a reflection of tremendous respect and concern by our elected representatives. Above all, good legislation was passed to improve conditions for the veterans of Alabama. We owe a debt of thanks to Sen. Barron for arranging the day and leading efforts on the senate floor.”

Fort Payne’s Charles Stephens said he is proud to see the Senate pass these bills.

“This is legislation we’ve needed, especially for the veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Stephens, who is the current convention chairman for the state Veterans of Foreign Affairs.

Stephens said the group is now concentrating its efforts on getting the bills passed through the House of Representatives. He also expressed gratitude for the veterans day at the Legislature.

“We appreciate what Sen. Barron did on this event, and the recognition for veterans all over the state,” he said.

The Senate Democratic Caucus also passed legislation creating a new car tag for veterans of Operation Freedom Iraqi and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan. That bill passed the Senate last week and now goes to the house.

“These soldiers and their families give the ultimate sacrifice to our country,” Barron said. “They take care of us and we should take care of them. So many times, the finances of these families are decimated, and we must ensure they have the money available to attend the state college or university of their choice.”