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WHEREAS, according to the 2010 census bureau, there are over 42,000 Veterans living within the city limits; and,
WHEREAS, it is currently estimated that there are 61,799 Veterans in Pennsylvania living below the poverty line and young Veterans are more that three times more likely to be homeless considering the unemployment rate for young Veterans which is 69% higher than the national unemployment rate; and,
WHEREAS, veterans organizations across Western Pennsylvania have always encouraged people to reflect on the reason for the memorial day holiday which can be accomplished by volunteering to decorate veterans' graves, make a donation to a veteran's organization or visiting a veteran's memorial to remember the sacrifices others have made for the freedoms we enjoy; and,
WHEREAS, the Elliott Community Group is doing so by hosting a group of volunteers who will create a Veterans Memorial Garden to be located at 924 Chartiers Avenue next to the Elliott Market to honor those who have served and continue to serve our country; and,
WHEREAS, the group received a grant from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's Love Your Block program for the project which begins Saturday, June 1 and have even recruited veterans to help; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby honor all Veterans living within the city limits and across Pennsylvania and commend the many volunteers honoring them with a beautiful garden; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, June 1, 2013, to be "Veteran's Memorial Garden Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.