FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 26, 2011

SECRETARY OF STATE ANNOUNCES PROGRAM TO HONOR VETERANS
Initiative to remember those who protect our freedom marks 143rd Anniversary of Memorial Day

COLUMBUS – In an effort to recognize the service of Ohio’s brave veterans, Secretary of State Jon Husted today encouraged Ohioans to participate in the Secretary of State’s Vote in Honor of a Veteran program. The program gives Ohioans an opportunity to publicly share their appreciation for the service of military veterans while participating in our democratic system preserved by the sacrifice of these individuals. 

“The men and women in our armed forces have made great sacrifices to protect our freedom and democracy,” Secretary Husted said. “By participating in the Vote in Honor of a Veteran program, Ohioans can help raise awareness about the importance of voting and highlight the inextricable bond between our veterans and democracy.”

The Vote in Honor of a Veteran program allows registered Ohio voters to recognize the service of a family member, friend or neighbor who has served our country in the military on Election Day. Individuals wishing to honor a veteran simply need to complete a request card and return it to the Secretary of State’s office. Request cards may be obtained by calling Avi Zaffini at (614) 995-1697 or online at http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/about/VIHOV.aspx.

Once a request card is completed and returned, a Vote in Honor of a Veteran lapel pin to wear on Election Day will be sent and a tribute to the individual veteran for whom a person is voting in honor of may be posted in the testimonial section of the Secretary of State’s website.

Individuals and organizations can help spread the word about this initiative by downloading materials from the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/about/VIHOV.aspx , or by calling Avi Zaffini at (614) 995-1697 to request materials.

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For more information, contact Matt McClellan at 614-995-2168 or mmcclellan@sos.state.oh.us.