HONORING THE VETERANS RESOURCE PROGRAM AND ALL
VETERANS ON NOVEMBER 11, VETERANS DAY 2024
WHEREAS, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, Germany signed an armistice agreement with the United States of America and its allies to end World War I; and
WHEREAS, in 1938, the United States Congress declared the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday to be dedicated to the cause of world peace celebrated as “Armistice Day” to honor veterans of World War I; and
WHEREAS, in 1954, Congress recognized all American Armed Forces by changing “Armistice Day” to “Veterans Day”; and
WHEREAS, Rhonda F. Harris, a California State Army Military Reserve Sergeant, founded The Veterans Resource Program in 2011 in honor of her late father, Harry L.
Williams, a wounded Korean War Army Veteran; and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Resource Program was founded to assist veterans with housing, applying for benefits, and higher educational opportunities to help them transition back into society through gainful employment; and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Resource Program owns a fully furnished home in Richmond, California, which provides housing to veterans of all branches who may need short or long-term accommodations; and
WHEREAS, to meet VRP’s expansion goals, in 2018 Harris led the initiative to acquire 2.3 acres of land in Richmond to develop a 268-unit housing campus for veterans. The property will service three levels of care: transitional and supported housing for veterans experiencing immediate homelessness, permanent independent living with support services, and assisted living; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond City Council recognizes that Veterans Day is a celebration intended to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good and has designated Veterans Day as an official City of Richmond holiday; and
WHEREAS, many residents of Richmond and City of Richmond employees have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: On Veterans Day 2024, we honor the Veterans Resource Program and the many Richmond employees and residents who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.