Above: Gottheimer at Fair Lawn’s Wreaths Across America Ceremony.

FAIR LAWN, NJ — On National Wreaths Across America Day, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) honored our nation’s veterans and fallen soldiers and laid wreaths with the North Jersey community. On National Wreaths Across America Day, volunteers unite to Remember, Honor, and Teach about the sacrifices made by our veterans and coordinate wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 4,000+ locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. 

“Freedom is not free — it takes all of us working together, and remembering that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. That’s why it is our duty as Americans to not only remember and honor the men and women who serve, it’s our responsibility to do everything we can to fight for them and their families when they return,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).  “I know there is nothing more important in my job than the responsibility to always have the backs of those who have stepped forward to protect us. To all veterans and active-duty service members, know this, after sacrificing so much, you should never struggle to get the care or recognition you deserve.”

Recently, Gottheimer announced new bipartisan legislation to honor and support veterans:

• The Veterans Emergency and Timely Support (VETS) Act will:
  • Require a resident advocate at every veteran’s home to be a direct line of contact for veterans.
  • Ensure that veterans have access to an advocate who can immediately receive any concerns and respond and elevate their needs to the necessary levels. 
  • Help protect against the failures at the Paramus & Menlo Park Veterans Home during the COVID-19 pandemic, where one of the greatest tragedies New Jersey has ever witnessed occurred.

• The Hope, Empowerment, and Lifesaving Programs (HELP) for Veterans Act will:
  • Help prevent delays when veterans need critical mental health support and treatment.
  • Provide grants to help our nation’s incredible nonprofits to coordinate suicide prevention services for veterans, active duty service members, and their families.
  • Supported programs include provision of clinical services for emergency treatment, case management services, peer support services, VA benefits assistance, assistance with emergent needs relating to health care services, and more.

Gottheimer was joined by Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, Fair Lawn Mayor Kurt Peluso, and Former Fair Lawn Mayor John Cosgrove.

Below: Gottheimer at Fair Lawn’s Wreaths Across America Ceremony.

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