Ohio Secretary Of State Pays Tribute To Veterans

For Immediate Release November 10, 2008

Secretary Of State’s Office Pays Tribute To Veterans

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With Veteran’s Day upon us, all are encouraged to honor the veterans who have fought so valiantly for our democracy. America’s military men and women have defended our country and one of its defining characteristics: the American right to vote.

The Ohio Secretary of State’s office is paying tribute to all who have served or are serving our country with the Vote in Honor of a Veteran program. The program highlights the sacrifices that have been made by our nation’s military men and women. With the program, people can pay special tribute to a veteran of their choosing and, in the process, encourage all Ohioans to honor their sacrifice.

To take part, Ohioans can visit the Secretary of State’s Web site, www.sos.state.oh.us, to share stories about the veteran they will honor by exercising the right to vote. Participants can request a lapel pin, “Vote in Honor of a Veteran,” that reminds everyone of the importance of voting and how voting honors veterans. Ohioans can also call the Secretary of State's office at 1-877-ΐOS-OHIO ext. 5, for information on Vote in Honor of a Veteran.

“As Ohio’s chief election officer and as a citizen, I have deep respect for our veterans and all they have done in sacrifice for the freedoms we hold dear in the United States. As elections officials we strive to honor them with free, fair, open, and honest elections,” said Secretary Brunner.

The Ohio Secretary of State’s office has also focused on many programs that work toward a common goal to ensure the voting rights for our military currently serving overseas with the Overseas Vote Foundation project, https://ohio.overseasvotefoundation.org/overseas/home.htm

The Secretary of State’s office also wishes to recognize Rick DeChant from Cleveland. Rick serves as the coordinator of veterans services and programs at Cuyahoga County Community College. Rick worked in consultation with the Secretary of State’s office in 2008 as he launched “Operation: Forward Democracy,” a program geared towards the recruitment of veterans to continue their service by being a poll worker on Election Day. The office will encourage the pilot program to be extended statewide.

The following excerpt from Rick’s recruitment letter says it all. “If we as veterans want to ensure the continued support for our initiatives and causes, then we in turn need to exhibit the leadership that only veterans can bring to the forefront by supporting Operation Forward Democracy. Your participation and CAN DO attitude are greatly appreciated. Let's take charge and lead the way!"

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