The American Cold War Veterans annual meeting will be held in Washington, D.C. on May 1, 2012.  We will be meeting in Room SVC 200 which is in the new Capitol Visitors Center, on the Senate side of the building, from 1PM till 3PM. Information on the Visitors Center -- the website also has links for methods to reach  the Capitol, Prohibited items and general info.

We also plan to go to Arlington Cemetery following the general meeting to hold a memorial service at 4PM. On completion of the service we will place flowers on the graves of Cold War Heroes.

Hotel: We will be using the Best Western Pentagon located at 2480 South Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 403-682-5500 Fax: 403-682-2361 email: ejenkins@yourdchotels.com be sure to ask for Group Sales and mention that you are with the American Cold War Veterans.

Room rates are $129.00 plus tax per night. We have the rooms from April 30 to May 2. If you wish to make your stay longer please ask Erica Simuel in Group Sales if you can still have the same group rate.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jim Webb (D-Virginia) and John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) today introduced the Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011, legislation to authorize the design and award of a service medal to honor America’s Cold War veterans.  Such a medal does not currently exist.

 “The commitment, motivation and fortitude of our Cold War Veterans was second to none,” said Senator Snowe.  “The brave service members who served honorably during the Cold War should be recognized for their service, and this legislation is a long overdue step towards creating the service medal that they deserve.”

“This legislation will express our sincere gratitude to all Cold War veterans, including the thousands of those who served in Maine, for putting the comforts of civilian life aside to advance the cause of freedom,” said Senator Collins.

“The millions of Americans who served in uniform in the armed forces during the Cold War, spanning more than four decades, were the living embodiment of our nation’s strategy of deterrence,” said Senator Webb. “In their efforts to preserve peace, hundreds died during isolated armed confrontations when the Cold War flashed hot at remote locations around the world. This legislation will appropriately honor those who served in an effort that resulted in the largest single expansion in the number of democratically elected governments in world history.” 

“For almost a half century, more than 20 million soldiers stood on the front lines of our nation’s Cold War defenses,” Senator Kerry said.  “At a time when humanity itself hung in the balance, they were ready to spring into action if the Cold War became a shooting war, and they too were separated from their families and loved ones for long, difficult periods. They deserve full recognition for their service and sacrifice, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this important legislation.”