We the Veterans and Military Families Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Flag Day at Mount Vernon
Convening showcased the positive patriotic impact and civic participation of the veteran and military family community
Mount Vernon, VA: On Thursday, We the Veterans and Military Families, a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower the veteran and military family community to strengthen America, commemorated the 75th anniversary of Flag Day by convening veteran and military family organizations at the Virginia home of President George Washington. The event showcased the positive patriotic impact and civic participation of veterans and military families and how this community can be a model for continued service to our country.
“This is a critical conversation about what it means to be a patriot who participates in your country,” said Ellen Gustafson, Executive Director of We the Veterans and Military Families. “Flag Day is an important holiday that often gets overlooked. We’re at Mount Vernon, the treasured home of America’s first veteran leader, to drive impactful conversation meant to challenge all our fellow Americans to step in and serve and make their country better.”
Event programming and panel discussions featured a range of notable organizations and public leaders, including Admiral (Ret.) and former Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Steve Abbot, Deputy Assistant Secretary Zaneta Adams, Department of Veterans Affairs, Mary Beth Bruggeman, President, The Mission Continues, Eric Bronner, Founder, Veterans for All Voters, Jeremy Butler, Chairman, Vet the Vote Coalition and Dan Vallone, Director, Vet the Vote Coalition.
Thursday’s events, which included a wreath laying ceremony at President George Washington’s Tomb, along with a series of panel discussions:
Trusted Messengers, Trustworthy Messages: Veterans and military families hold the trust of their fellow Americans to uphold their responsibility as trusted messengers, it’s essential to ensure that veterans and military families both have access to reliable, trustworthy information and resources and that they are able to assess the sources and information they consume.
Chris Purdy, Veterans for American Ideals
Kelly Kennedy, Veteran Journalist
Bill Braniff, Department of Homeland Security
Moderator: Ben Keiser, We the Veterans and Military Families
Finding Purpose & Continued Service: Showcase programs and initiatives that provide opportunities for veterans and military family members to continue serving their communities through volunteering, mentorship, and leadership roles. Discuss the importance of finding purpose and meaning in post-military life.
Mary Beth Bruggeman, The Mission Continues
Jason Galui, George W. Bush Center
Mary Tobin, More Perfect Union
Moderator: Jermaine Clark, We the Veterans and Military Families
Fulfilling our Obligations to Care: When people in our community need help, we step up to make sure they’re cared for.
Jose Ramos, Wounded Warrior Project
Mia Garcia, Combined Arms
Besa Pinchotti, National Military Family Association
Moderator: Ellen Gustafson, We the Veterans and Military Families
Remembering What Unites Us: Maintaining the sense of camaraderie and support that is central to military life after transitioning to civilian life. This panel showcases organizations and programs that provide opportunities for veterans and military families to connect, share experiences, and support one another, and will discuss the importance of building and maintaining strong social networks and support systems in post-military life.
Joe Grassi, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Ron Neff, American Legion
Kathy Roth-Douquet, Blue Star Families
Moderator: Ellen Gustafson, We the Veterans and Military Families
Leading as Citizens: Explores our role as leaders in strengthening our communities and the country as citizens.
Admiral Steve Abbot (USN, Ret.), Count Every Hero
Zaneta Adams, Department of Veterans Affairs
Eric Bronner, Veterans for all Voters
Moderator: Dan Vallone, Vet the Vote
America Loves Veterans, Veterans Love America: Highlight individuals and organizations within the community who have established themselves as trusted actors through their actions, transparency, and commitment to serving others. Discuss strategies for building and maintaining trust in an era of increased skepticism and division.
Jeremy Butler, Vet the Vote
Steve Miska, Department of Veterans Affairs
Moderator: Ben Keiser, We the Veterans and Military Families
Press Contacts:
Chris Maloney, Black Rock Group Joe Plenzler, We the Veterans and Military Families
202.320.1578 301.800.9457
cmaloney@blackrockgrp.com press@wetheveterans.us