Veterans Resource Central Encourages Pennsylvanians to Join in Statewide Salute to Military Families on Oct. 14.

Invites Schools, Religious Congregations, Civic Organizations, Veterans Groups to Take Part in 'Purple Day in PA'

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Veterans Resource Central (VRC), a Harrisburg-based non-profit group, is encouraging schools, religious organizations, local governments, veterans groups and other civic and community organizations throughout the Commonwealth to join in "Purple Day in PA," a statewide salute to military families on Saturday, Oct. 14.

"Concern for our military men and women weigh heavily as they serve our nation on many fronts," said John Carrigan, VRC president. "While they are deployed, it is important that we pay tribute to, and support and sustain, their sons and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, who are tasked with attempting to live life as normal. As our service men and women perform their duties, it is our duty to express our gratitude, not only to them, but to the families who love and support them.

"We encourage schools, religious congregations and other community organizations throughout Pennsylvania to plan ways to acknowledge military families. Too often the families of our soldiers are overlooked. On October 14, we will all say thanks for the sacrifices they make for our nation."

A Pennsylvania Senate resolution passed this summer officially designated the event. The occasion's signature color, purple, is used by the U.S. military as a visual symbol representing all its branches.

VRC will observe the event with a ceremony at 10 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg. Military families across the Commonwealth, and those who wish to acknowledge them, are encouraged to take part. The ceremony will include a keynote address by Major General Robert P. French, Deputy Commander of Joint Force Headquarters, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and presentation of the proclamation by Pennsylvania Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola.

Carrigan noted that families of deployed service men and women, often overlooked, cope with significant changes and unique challenges in their lives. Deployments are long and stressful for families, comparable to a marathon Co over time, families can wear down and caregivers can become exhausted. Awareness among civic organizations, and their support, is critical to help military families endure through these long, difficult and recurring stretches of time. VRC's Family Center, for example, offers a variety of resources including childcare, legal and financial services to help military families maintain their households while loved ones are away.

For more information on Purple Day in PA: A Statewide Salute to Military Families, call VRC at [phone] or visit www.veteransresourcecentral.org.

About Veterans Resource Central

Veterans Resource Central (VRC) is the leading organization for family support, career counseling, job placement assistance and business networking for returning veterans in Pennsylvania. VRC is a Harrisburg-based, non-profit group whose primary mission is to provide career counseling and job placement assistance to returning veterans as well assistance to deployed families. The organization strives to serve Pennsylvania veterans from all military branches. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to the VRC call [phone] or visit www.veteransresourcecentral.org.