This Week In Washington

Synagogues and other places of worship are safe havens where communities come together to celebrate, pray, and reflect. The murder of 11 people inside the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh last weekend was a cowardly act of violence fueled by hate and anti-Semitism.

It has been heartening to see the outpouring of support for the members of Tree of Life Synagogue and the city of Pittsburgh, as vigils were hosted across the country. I had the honor of joining hundreds of people of various faiths and backgrounds to pray, mourn, and to stand up against anti-Semitism and hate at vigils in Pittsburgh and Allentown.

My prayers continue to be with the victims, their families and friends, and the members of the Tree of Life Synagogue. I greatly appreciate the actions of the first responders who tended to the wounded and apprehended the shooter.

Together, we will rise above this act of hate.

Our Commonwealth's Vietnam veterans bravely served this country and for too long, many have been unsung heroes. To recognize these veterans, my office is partnering with state lawmakers from Pike and Wayne Counties to host a ceremony honoring their service with a 50th anniversary commemorative pin.

This ceremony will take place on Friday, November 9 at 2PM at the Hamlin Fire Company Banquet Hall, located at 582 PA-590 in Hamlin.

Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, regardless of station location, will be eligible to receive a lapel pin at this ceremony.

Vietnam veterans who wish to attend should RSVP by contacting my office in Wilkes-Barre at (570) 820-4088. I encourage all Vietnam War veterans in Wayne County and the surrounding area to participate in this recognition event.