Indiana Military and Veterans Legislative Day set for Mon., Jan. 23
INDIANAPOLIS – Veterans across Indiana will be coming to the Statehouse on Monday (January 23) to meet with lawmakers and other state officials and discuss the issues that are important to them.
The 2017 Indiana Military Veterans Legislative Day will begin at 8:30 a.m. Monday with a veterans’ march from Military Park to the Statehouse. The agenda will include remarks from Gov. Eric Holcomb, Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R-Fort Wayne), House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath from Michigan City and Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane from Anderson.
The event is co-hosted by State Reps. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) and John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis).
This is the third year that lawmakers have organized a day specifically geared toward encouraging a dialogue between state officials, active-duty military members, and military veterans and families on legislation that is being discussed during the session.
“The Indiana Veterans Legislative Day opens up additional communication channels between military members, veterans and the General Assembly,” Baird said. “As legislators, we hope to discuss what issues are most important to our veterans and what they hope to see for the State of Indiana.”
Bartlett added, “Rep. Baird and I feel that it is important for state government to demonstrate to our veterans and active-duty personnel that we recognize the sacrifices that they and their families have made and are making in defense of our country, and we owe it to them to make sure that their voices are being heard at the Statehouse and their concerns are being addressed.”
The day will begin with veterans marching from the Military Park Gazebo, located near 601 W. New York St. Marchers will leave the gazebo area and head south on West Street, then east on Robert D. Orr Plaza toward the Statehouse. Indiana Guardsmen from the 38th Infantry Division Band are scheduled to lead the march, along with other reserve component members of the Indiana Joint Service Color Guard.
Baird, a Vietnam veteran, will give a POW/MIA tribute at 9:30 a.m., then join Bartlett for opening remarks at 10 a.m. The governor will speak to the group at 10:30 a.m.
Veterans also will have the chance to meet with their state representatives and senators, and participate in informational sessions on proposed legislation under consideration during the 2017 session.
In addition, the Indiana National Guard is expected to place static display vehicles along the route to the Statehouse.