VA Celebrates Veterans Day Every Day in November
In recognition of Veterans Day 2017, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) will host or participate in events to honor veterans through November, starting with a ceremonial flag raising on Nov. 1 and culminating with a resource fair later in the month. VA facilities across the nation are hosting similar recognitions in the coming days as part of the first ever Veterans Month. Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed every year on November 11.
“It is our great privilege to care for our nation’s veterans. Recognizing veterans and remembering their stories and sacrifices is what Veterans Month is about,” said VAPHS Director Karin McGraw. “And I have a special request for every citizen this month. Please encourage veterans you know or love to check on their eligibility for VA health care and services. They earned and deserve it.”
Veterans Month celebrations are detailed below. Veterans and the public can call 412-822-3537 with questions about the events, or 412-822-2040 to speak with a health care eligibility and enrollment professional. Event updates and eligibility and enrollment information is available pittsburgh.va.gov. VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System is a tertiary integrated health care system, offering critical, acute, emergent, specialty, routine and preventive health care services and fulfilling referrals for specialty services. There are seven sites of care.
Flag Raising Ceremony – Nov. 1 | 11 a.m.
H.J. Heinz campus | O’Hara Township
A formal flag raising ceremony will call all to reflect on the meaning of the flag. Honored guests include veterans who reside at the H.J. Heinz III campus. Following, American Legion representatives will tour the facility, and visit with patients who are not able to join the ceremony.
Veterans Benefits Administration Open House – Nov. 1 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Moorhead Federal Building | Pittsburgh
Learn more about health care eligibility and enrollment, receive answers to questions about claims, meet with Veterans Service Officers, and learn about employment assistance and educational programs.
Celebration of Resilience and Service of Remembrance – Nov. 2 | 12:30 p.m.
University Drive campus | Oakland
The second annual Celebration of Resilience and Service of Remembrance honors Veterans who are LGBT and allies. The Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index recognizes VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System as a leader in equitable care.
Military Memorabilia Exhibition – Nov. 9 | 10 a.m. to noon
University Drive campus | Oakland
All are invited to participate in this moving event. Veterans of all eras will display their personal military memorabilia (photos, pins, uniforms, etc.) and share their stories. Some photos will be displayed on an art wall by era or branch of service. Veterans who are interested in participating must make arrangements and receive details and instructions by contacting Heather Steele at 412-822-3537 or [email protected].
National Cemetery Administration Veterans Day Program – Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.
National Cemetery of the Alleghenies | Bridgeville
The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies will host its annual Veterans Day program, honoring especially Veterans who are at eternal rest. All are invited.
Resource Fair – Date, time and location TBD
VA health care professionals will be on hand to discuss various programs and services available to enrolled and eligible veterans. Informational hand-outs will cover suicide prevention, homelessness, caregiver support, transition care management, and more. Learn more about health care and services by visiting pittsburgh.va.gov/services.
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About VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System is one of the largest and most progressive VA medical centers in the nation. More than 3,700 employees serve approximately 70,000 Veterans ever year, providing a range of services from transplant medicine to primary care. It is also a center of research and learning, with more than $30 million in research projects and a robust training program for residents and students. The system is a leader in virtual care delivery through telemedicine.
Medical center campuses are located in Oakland and O’Hara Township, and outpatient clinics in Beaver, Belmont, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania, and Belmont County in Ohio.
Veterans can check on their eligibility and enrollment by calling 412-822-2040. Visit pittsburgh.va.gov and facebook.com/vaphs.