Warren County saluted its veterans and all who served, as the Board of County Commissioners earlier this week proclaimed November 7 – 13, 2022 as National Veterans Awareness Week, emphasizing the need to develop educational programs regarding the contribution of veterans to the country.

“It is important to make everyone aware of all the sacrifices made by veterans,” Commissioner Director Jason J. Sarnoski remarked, after the board approved a proclamation that noted the decease of awareness by young people of the importance of the accomplishments of those who have served in the Armed Forces.

Milly Rice and Charlie Rothenbeck of The American Legion, Carl D. Archer Post 528 in White Township accepted the proclamation. Rice, who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, is also secretary of the Warren County War Memorial Corp. and helps to run the County’s Veterans Recognition Program.

“Without the armed forces, we might not be a country or have our freedoms,” Commissioner Deputy Director Lori Ciesla commented.

The contributions of men and women who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining freedoms, and the Commissioners recognized the need to increase awareness of this fact among school-aged children.

“It’s important for history to be taught and to make these sacrifices known,” Commissioner James R. Kern III stated as he shared that, according to the 2018 Census Bureau report on Veterans, only 7% of Americans served in the military.

Many individuals and families have little to no connection to the Armed Forces since the implementation of an all-volunteer military. Because of this, National Veterans Awareness Week is dedicated to appropriate educational activities for elementary and secondary school students.

“I’d like to thank Milly and Charlie for the continued advocacy for freedom and veterans,” Kern said.

Pictured (l-r): Commissioner Deputy Director Lori Ciesla, proclamation recipients Milly Rice and Charlie Rothenbeck, Commissioner James R. Kern III and Commissioner Director Jason J. Sarnoski.