Williams salutes vets

Williams salutes vets|Williams salutes vets
Photo by Tequila Minsky|Photo courtesy of New York City Council/Rance E. Huff

Brooklyn Councilman Jumaane D. Williams has joined elected officials in saluting the nation’s veterans, saying that “we are in debt to their bravery and service, more than lip service.”

“As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, let us remember the men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country,” said Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn.

“Let us also take this day to thank millions of men and women across the nation, including those veterans living in the 45th council district, for their service to our country,” added Williams, deputy leader and chair of the Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee, who last week reached out to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey to request a replacement to the tattered American flags located at Amersfort Park before Veteran’s Day.

The Department responded quickly and replaced the flags on Nov. 1, Williams said.

“Our thanks have nothing to do with the politics related to the decision of war; it has everything to do with the sacrifice made,” he said. “No matter when, where, or how long a veteran served, the fact is that they were asked to put your lives on the line and did.”

“Veterans are made promises that too often go unfulfilled. It is our duty to remember the commitments our country has made to our veterans and their families, whether it be providing housing, assisting with employment, or more,” Williams added.

He called on government, service organizations and individuals to honor the sacrifices that veterans and their families have made “by ensuring that they have access to all of the necessary support services available.

“If we all work together, our city will provide the full salute our veterans deserve,” said the councilman, whose district covers Flatbush, East Flatbush, Flatlands, and parts of Midwood and Canarsie.

Williams, who is also co-chair of the Council’s Task Force to Combat Gun Violence, is a co-founding member of the Progressive Caucus, and a member of the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus.

Photos of the Amersfort Park American flags before it was replaced (left) and after (right).
Photo courtesy of New York City Council/Rance E. Huff