By Erin Levi
On Veterans Day, Congresswoman Grace Meng led Queens in honoring its nearly 40,000 veterans, the largest population of veterans among New York City’s boroughs.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, we thank each and every veteran for their selfless and courageous service,” Meng said, emphasizing the nation’s gratitude to the men and women who have served, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Celebrating Local Heroes in Queens
Ahead of Veterans Day, Meng joined Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz for a Veterans Day Observance Ceremony at the Queens Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst.
The event recognized veterans like U.S. Army Specialist 4th Class Leonard Williams, U.S. Navy MS4 William McDonald, and U.S. Army Sergeant Michael Coston, each of whom continues to serve Queens as educators, activists, and volunteers.
“Our community and country are better off because of dedicated and selfless individuals,” Meng noted.
Enhancing Local Support for Veterans
Recognizing the vital role of local facilities for veterans, Meng awarded $300,000 to the American Legion Continental Post #1424 in Forest Hills. Founded in 1919, the American Legion is one of the largest veterans’ organizations in the U.S., dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. This funding will go toward essential repairs and upgrades, including accessibility improvements, allowing the post to continue serving the veterans and families who rely on it for community and support. This facility also serves as a hub for community events, charity fundraisers, and the annual Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade.
Connecting Veterans with Their Earned Benefits
In her ongoing commitment to support veterans, Congresswoman Meng organizes regular intake days, bringing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources directly to Queens to help veterans file claims and access their benefits. Last month, a session held at the Haspel-Staab Post 551 in Middle Village assisted numerous veterans in connecting with the support they’ve rightfully earned.
The Impact of the PACT Act on Queens Veterans
Meng celebrated the achievements of the PACT Act, which expands VA healthcare access for veterans exposed to toxins and enhances VA support services across the nation. In fiscal year 2024, the VA set records, delivering $187 billion in benefits, processing more than 2.5 million disability claims, and providing life-saving crisis care to over 50,000 veterans. The VA also housed nearly 48,000 veterans experiencing homelessness, highlighting a deep commitment to those in need.
Honoring Veterans’ Legacies
As part of her efforts, Meng also supported the expansion of the Veterans Legacy Memorial, the nation’s largest digital platform commemorating veterans. Over 10 million veterans now have dedicated pages on this platform, preserving their memories for future generations.
Congresswoman Meng emphasized the importance of the PACT Act, especially for Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 veterans exposed to toxins such as burn pits and Agent Orange. This landmark legislation also included Meng’s own Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act, which ensures healthcare parity for veterans exposed to toxic radiation in the Marshall Islands.
As we observe Veterans Day, Queens stands with its veterans, celebrating their courage and sacrifices and renewing its commitment to their well-being.
In Meng’s words, “We are forever indebted to all they have sacrificed to serve throughout their lifetime.”