News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

May 18, 2002

Harman Honors Recipients of National Defense Service Medal, Participates In Annual Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade

-- “America's War on Terrorism certainly qualifies as a national emergency, and those fighting that war both abroad and here at home are deserving of our thanks and recognition” --

TORRANCE - Rep. Harman today honored members of the military who have been serving on active duty following the events of September 11 and qualify for the newly issued National Defense Service Medal.

After attending a Torrance Armed Forces Day parade flag presentation and witnessing the presentation of the medal to Senior Airman Dwayne Jaramillo and Airman First Class Danielle Mason by parade Grand Marshal Lt. General Brian Arnold, Harman said:

"The National Defense Service Medal is traditionally issued to our brave women and men in uniform during times of national crisis.

Congresswoman Harman congratulates Airman First Class Danielle Mason

America's War on Terrorism certainly qualifies as a national emergency, and those fighting that war both abroad and here at home are deserving of our thanks and recognition. The medal serves as a strong source of pride for veterans, their families and our communities and as a reminder of dedicated and unselfish service to our country."

Working with South Bay veteran leader Steve Crecy and former Lomita mayor Dave Albert, Harman played a leading role in urging the Department of Defense to reauthorize the medal, first established by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1953 to honor those serving in the Korean War.

The medal was also distributed to those in the Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. In part as a result of Harman’s effort, the medal will now apply to military personnel in active duty since 9/11 and specified reservists.

Later in the day, Senior Airman Jaramillo and Airman First Class Mason rode with Congresswoman Harman as she participated in the Annual Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade.

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