Honoring Our Veterans 

It is impossible to fully express the gratitude we feel towards our veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made in defense of our country. On Veterans Day—and everyday—we extend our deep gratitude and appreciation to each of these brave patriots.

I’ve had the opportunity to attend a number of events over the past few weeks to express my profound appreciation for the service of our local veterans, including the Veterans Outreach Center’s 50th Stars and Stripes Celebration and this morning’s wreath laying ceremony with the Monroe County American Legion.

As our celebrations continue throughout the weekend, it is important to remember that while we can never fully repay the debt we owe our veterans, we have a solemn responsibility to uphold our promise of ensuring their safety and stability when they return home. Together, we will continue our work to make this promise a reality for every veteran in our community and across the country.

 Presenting the First Congressional Award of Distinction 

Earlier this year, my office announced the Congressional Award of Distinction, a new honor to be given to someone who personifies the best of our community through either their individual actions or dedicated work with an organization. This morning, we had the opportunity to present the first of these awards to Miss Pearlina Gibson.

Miss Pearl—as she’s known to her friends and neighbors—has worked tirelessly for the last ten years on her annual "Giving Back Event." At its core, this event is about uplifting those in need, a cause that becomes especially poignant during the holiday season. From humble beginnings of thanksgiving baskets paid for on her own dime, through a global pandemic, to the bustling community event it is today, Miss Pearl’s selfless devotion to her neighbors has always been at the forefront of this remarkable undertaking.

On behalf of our entire community: thank you, Miss Pearl, for your continued dedication to building a better future for us all.

Read more about Miss Pearlina Gibson and her incredible work: Congressman Joe Morelle Presents First Congressional Award of Distinction to Pearlina Gibson

If you would like to nominate someone from your neighborhood for the Congressional Award of Distinction, please visit my website and fill out our webform here.

 Important Travel Update