1Designating the week of June 9 through 15, 2014, as "State
2Veterans' Homes Week" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, The history of our nation reflects the memories of
4the men and women who have succeeded in preserving our freedom,
5over the course of more than two centuries, and whose task,
6while unquantifiable in terms of sacrifice and commitment,
7stands as a lasting tribute to the ideals we value as Americans;
8and

9WHEREAS, These heroes relinquished a part of their lives in
10defense of the United States and their struggles will never be
11forgotten, overlooked or underestimated; and

12WHEREAS, Those who served this nation in the United States
13Armed Forces forever carry the virtues of liberty, freedom and
14the right to independence, and we, as citizens of the United
15States of America, owe an incalculable debt to these men and
16women, and we should take time to thank each of these American

1heroes, past and present; and

2WHEREAS, The Commonwealth has, for more than 100 years,
3provided a home for these distinguished veterans in need; and

4WHEREAS, Pennsylvania will continue to honor its veterans by
5providing them with the support they so richly deserve; and

6WHEREAS, Pennsylvania offers its veterans and their spouses
7exceptional around-the-clock care through a network of six
8extended-care facilities located in major population centers
9throughout this Commonwealth; and

10WHEREAS, These six homes serve more than 1,500 eligible
11veterans and their spouses; and

12WHEREAS, These facilities, offering personal care, skilled
13nursing care, domiciliary care and dementia care, rate
14exceptionally high in patient satisfaction levels compared to
15the national average; and

16WHEREAS, This system is comprised of the Delaware Valley
17Veterans' Home, the Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center,
18Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home, Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors
19Home, Southeastern Veterans' Center and Southwestern Veterans'
20Center; therefore be it

21RESOLVED, That in recognition of our veterans and veterans'
22homes, the Senate designate the week of June 9 through 15, 2014,
23as "State Veterans' Homes Week" in Pennsylvania and encourage
24all citizens to visit a State-supported home in Erie,
25Hollidaysburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton or Spring City
26and thank these cherished veterans and the dedicated personnel
27who serve them.