Report from Times Square

Sidney Siller, Department Adjutant

The Department of New York organized our second Rally in opposition to the "Cares Commission", recommendation to close Canandaigua, Montrose, and the Manhattan (23rd Street) Hospitals. Held on Sunday, November 16, 2003 at 42nd Street and Broadway the cross roads of the world. The rally was attended by hundreds and hundreds of veterans, family and friends. The police estimated the attendance between 750 and 1000.

This rally was notable because of the personal presence of Senator Charles "Chuck" Schumer, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, and Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez; of New York, Councilwoman Margarita Lopez and Councilman William Person.

Our State Department Commander Ronald W. Tears read a strong message of support from Senator Hillary Clinton who was in Iowa for the Democratic Candidates debate.

If the intensity of support by Senator Schumer, Senator Clinton, Congresswoman Maloney and Councilwoman Margarita Lopez are any barometer we can surely say that the battle is not over yet.

I received two personal telephone calls from Senator Clinton following the rally and she related to me that her assistant and Congresswoman Maloney's Assistant met Secretary Principi in Canandaigua on November 17, 2003. Apparently the Secretary had been told that Canandaigua was antiquated and needed loads of rehabilitation. This appears to have been a revelation to the Secretary.

The impact on the media was dramatic. The rally was reported on five TV networks; 2 newspapers; and 3 radio stations.

We want to acknowledge the presence and support of our Department Commander, Ron Tears; Jr. Vice Commander Ted Barbuto; and PDC John Skyler; as well as the presence of many of our local leaders, and members.

If we receive any reports about the status of the Hospitals we'll promptly give you the word. The support of our troops was good but it could have been greater. In the future we will expect an all out effort by everyone. In this dog fight perfection is not the enemy of achievement.

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