Veterans Day is approaching quickly, on Friday November 11th we come together as a country to honor and thank all those who have served in the U.S. military. Many observe Veterans Day by simply flying the U.S. flag at their house, having a picnic or cook out with friends and family, and watching war movies or other patriotic programming on TV (or taking a stroll on one of Seattle’s many family friendly trails). Others donate to veterans’ causes and show appreciation through becoming actively involved in veteran organizations within their community. In honor of Veterans Day 2016, Seattle Trails is proud to be partnering with the Veterans Conservation Corps to host a work party in Seattle’s Discovery Park.
So who are the Veterans Conservation Corps and what are they all about you may ask? Well, the Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) is a State program housed within the Washington Conservation Corps that helps veterans find new employment opportunities and cope with physical and mental battle scars by providing opportunities for veterans to connect to their community, their environment, and themselves. With direction from the Puget Sound Partnership (a state organization tasked with leading the region’s collective effort to restore and protect Puget Sound) the VCC provides volunteer assistance on a range of habitat restoration and protection projects. On any given day members of the VCC can be found restoring marine habitats, cleaning up beaches, planting urban trees, or even building and maintaining trails.
In Washington State veterans account for 8% of the overall population, and nearly 5% of Seattle’s total population. Veterans Day 2016 gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the many important contributions of the veterans who are now working to make sustainable futures and livable communities here within Washington State. Join us on Friday November 11th from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. to restore a portion of Discovery Park and work hand and hand with our local veterans!
For more information on the Veterans Conservation Corps please go to: https://www.corpsnetwork.org/impact/conservation/veterans-conservation-corps or follow their work on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VeteransConservationCorps
SEATTLE TRAILS ALLIANCE is a newly formed coalition of walkers, hikers, commuters, foresters, pedestrians, runners, and neighbors who support trails in Seattle. To become a partner or more information contact: weston@seattletrails.org
(Image credit: Veterans Conservation Corps)