Cuomo Signs Colton’s Bill Creating Program For Veterans To Speak At Schools

Thanks to the efforts of Assemblyman William Colton, veterans will have a chance to speak about the importance of their service at schools in a new statewide program. According to a press release, Colton’s bill was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The release described the background and purpose of the bill:

This bill provides for the New York State Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a veteran speaker educational program for schools, giving greater accessibility for veterans to talk to students. As part of this educational program, the Department of Veterans Affairs will establish and distribute a list of veterans who are willing to volunteer to visit schools, and speak about their experiences in the military and the importance of our armed forces making sacrifices for our country. In addition, to inform schools of this new program, the Department of Veterans Affairs will also be responsible to issue pamphlets to school districts which describe the veteran speaker program with a general overview, as well as the names and contact information of local veterans who are available to visit schools.

The program, which will be available for both public and private schools, would be created with the consultation of the director of the New York State military museum and veteran’s resource center. In addition, the program is designed to be implemented by any educator who may wish to supplement traditional classroom instruction; however, it is not mandatory. Educators will be responsible for contacting local veterans after receiving the pamphlet with the information and available veterans listing from the State Department. In addition, educators will also be responsible for determining the appropriateness of the subject matter discussed by the visiting veteran. The development of this program and the listing of available veterans will be created with the assistance of local veterans’ organizations, as well as the help of the different branches of the U.S. military.

Colton stressed the importance of the bill and service veterans provided.

“The defining moments of our nation’s history came in wartime, especially during the great conflicts of the twentieth century. It is important that all of society, and particularly young people, be aware of the contributions of the men and women who participated in these conflicts as members of the armed forces,” Colton said.