Overview
Title
An Act To name the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the Henry Parham VA Clinic.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to name a veterans' clinic in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, after Henry Parham, a heroic soldier who helped during World War II and spent his later years helping other veterans. When this happens, everyone will call the clinic the "Henry Parham VA Clinic."
Summary AI
H.R. 4955 is a bill to honor Henry Parham by naming the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, after him. Henry Parham was a notable African-American veteran who served in the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion during the D-Day landings in World War II. The bill acknowledges Parham's bravery and contributions, both during the war and in his later life as a volunteer supporting veterans. After the enactment, all references to the clinic will recognize it as the "Henry Parham VA Clinic."
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
H.R. 4955 is a legislative proposal seeking to rename the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, to the "Henry Parham VA Clinic." The bill honors Henry Parham, an African-American World War II veteran who served courageously during the D-Day landings as part of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion. The renaming serves as a tribute to his service and dedication to both his country and his community after his military career.
Significant Issues
The bill does not delineate any contentious issues within its text, as reflected in the fact that no issues were included in the SECTIONS or ISSUES metadata. This indicates a straightforward bill mostly concerned with honoring a specific individual rather than proposing new policies or regulations.
Public Impact
Renaming a veterans' clinic has primarily symbolic implications for the broader public. It reflects the country's recognition and appreciation of the sacrifices made by veterans, both during their service and after returning to civilian life. Such gestures of acknowledgment might positively influence public sentiment by reminding citizens of the historical contributions and valor demonstrated by individuals like Henry Parham.
Furthermore, this bill can contribute to increased awareness and education about lesser-known but vital roles played by African-American soldiers during World War II. This can broaden the historical narrative and foster a more inclusive understanding of the past among the public.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Veterans in Monroeville and Surrounding Areas
This renaming is likely to be well-received by veterans and their families, especially those residing in the region served by the Monroeville clinic. Naming the clinic after a fellow veteran who contributed so significantly might enhance the sense of pride and community among users of the facility.
African-American Community
Honoring Henry Parham in this manner may be particularly significant to the African-American community. It highlights the bravery and dedication of African-American soldiers, serving as a powerful acknowledgment and celebration of their contributions to military history, particularly during a time when their efforts went largely unrecognized due to segregation.
Veterans Affairs and Healthcare Providers
For the Department of Veterans Affairs and the healthcare professionals working at the clinic, the name change might enhance the institution's cultural and historical value. It may serve as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds of those they serve, potentially fostering a more inclusive environment within the healthcare system dedicated to veterans.
Educational Institutions and Historians
The renaming could also serve as a catalyst for educational initiatives and historical research, encouraging academic institutions and historians to delve deeper into the stories of those like Henry Parham. By bringing attention to such narratives, educational curricula might become more enriched and inclusive.
In conclusion, H.R. 4955 is a thoughtful gesture that aims to honor a veteran, promote historical awareness, and celebrate contributions that have traditionally been understated. While its direct impact on policy is minimal, its symbolic value is considerable, potentially fostering a more inclusive national memory and enhancing community pride.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress acknowledges the significant contributions of Henry Parham, an African-American soldier from the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion who bravely served during the D-Day invasions in World War II. Born in Virginia in 1921, Parham later settled in Pennsylvania, where he and his wife, Ethel, dedicated much of their time to supporting veterans until his death at the age of 99 in 2021; he was the last surviving African-American veteran of the D-Day landings.
2. Designation of Henry Parham Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the outpatient clinic in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, will be renamed the "Henry Parham Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic." It further clarifies that any official references to this clinic should now use the new name, "Henry Parham VA Clinic."