Older Americans Month a time to honor veterans

UNION » As the nation celebrates Older Americans Month during the month of May, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reminded of the many heroes living at the six veterans homes it operates throughout the commonwealth.

Established in 1963 and led by the Administration on Aging, Older Americans Month provides an opportunity for everyone to appreciate the wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom that the older generations can share with us.

“There is no better storyteller of American history than the men and women who experienced it firsthand, and those are the men and women we have the pleasure of caring for in our veterans homes,” said Andrew Ruscavage, director of DMVA’s Bureau of Veterans Homes. “We are honored to care for veterans of all eras dating back to World War II. They are always so gracious to share their experiences and help us to appreciate the sacrifices that were made for the liberties and independence we all enjoy.”

Ruscavage said the DMVA is proud to provide its veterans safe and comfortable living environments, especially with 54 percent of Pennsylvania veterans having reached the age of 65 or older. He added working at a veterans home can be humbling and also inspiring.

“The staff and volunteers have an incredible amount of respect for the residents at our homes and for all older Americans,” he said. “We have all come to realize that there is so much to be learned and gained from our older generations. We should embrace them every single day.”

The DMVA operates the Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home in Philadelphia; the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center in Scranton; the Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home in Hollidaysburg; the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie; the Southeastern Veterans’ Center in Spring City; and the Southwestern Veterans’ Center in Pittsburgh.

To learn more about Pennsylvania’s veterans homes.

A press release from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs