County reaffirms ­support for veterans’ project

Four years into trying to get the federal government to provide more money for veterans’ health care, Garland Denny is still going strong. The 77-year-old Navy veteran from Monroe is still fighting to get signatures and endorsements for his plan to raise money for veterans’ health care programs through the sale of special stamps, bonds and coins.

On Feb. 1, Union County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution reaffirming their support for Denny’s project. The proposal includes developing a postage stamp, similar to the one that raises breast cancer research funds, a treasury bond, and a gold and silver minted coin set, all bearing the image of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

For his proposal to be heard by Congress, Denny must present 60,000 signatures to either Sen. Kay Hagan or Sen. Richard Burr. Currently, Denny has 20,000 individual signatures and endorsements from 96 towns and counties in North Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

To sign the petition, visit www.veteranspetition.com.