2nd annual Saturday Salute benefits homeless veterans.

DAV National Headquarters Executive Director Richard E. Patterson (pictured at right) was on hand to deliver the keynote address at the second annual Saturday Salute on Nov. 17, 2001. The annual event benefits Joseph House, a multi-service shelter for homeless veterans in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Saturday Salute features a concert of patriotic music and song at beautiful Memorial Hall in Cincinnati (pictured below). Proceeds from the event and donations go to support Joseph House, which, in addition to offering a safe shelter for homeless veterans, provides a structured program to help homeless veterans rebuild their lives. The basic program at Joseph House is six months and includes a clinical staff of chemical dependency counselors and licensed social workers that help homeless veterans overcome a variety of challenges during their transition back to a life as productive members of society.

The event included a proclamation from Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken, proclaiming Nov. 17, 2001 as "Joseph House Day" in Cincinnati. Hundreds of people attended the Saturday Salute, including representatives from all major veterans' organizations, city departments, and VA medical facilities.

"When we served in the military, we proclaimed that we would not leave our wounded behind on the battlefield," Mr. Patterson said. "Today, as veterans and citizens, we must work together to ensure that we do not leave our homeless veterans behind on the streets. I am deeply proud of communities like Cincinnati and organizations like Joseph House that, like the DAV, are actively involved in helping our homeless veterans regain productive lives and reintegrate into society."