Having previously breezed past Senate debates, the Honoring Antares’ Veterans Act has passed the Senate vote and is being implemented throughout the Confederacy.
Proposed by Senator YorathTheWolf, Director of the Department of Health and Social Services, Superintendent Cy, and Senator Gor Tenga, Director of the Department of Science and Technology, the bill was further sponsored by Chancellor De Adly and Vice Chancellor Alex, making it one of the most heavily supported bills that Sabmadi has sent to the Senate, as well as one of the first to make it through the Speaker's Docket.
Breezing past its open debate on the Senate floor, the bill fell under little scrutiny, which mainly attacked the naming conventions of some of the medals and the details of the ceremonies. Quickly sent to the day's vote, the bill ultimately passed with 43 Senators voting in favor and 6 Senators voting against, and none of the submitted votes abstaining.
Among other things, the Act established Remembrance Day, to be observed on the 28th of April, yearly:
(a) Remembrance Day shall be observed on 28 April, and on the day of the weekend that falls closest thereto in the following manner:
(i) All civilian employees of the Confederate government shall receive one day of paid leave should Remembrance Day fall during the working week;
(ii) All current and former servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the Antares Confederacy shall receive a bonus payment not less than half a month’s pay at their current pay grade, financed by the Confederate Treasury;
(iii) All current servicemembers in the Armed Forces of the Antares Confederacy shall receive special rations and an additional six hours of off-duty time; and
(iv) A one minutes’ silence in all places under the direct jurisdiction of the Confederate Government, observed at 12:00 Antares Coordinated Time, in recognition of when the guns fell silent on Torix.
In addition, the Veterans Act also implements a Memorial Art Contest to commemorate the fallen of Torix, open to all who wish to participate. The bill also establishes the construction of War Graves Cemetery and Memorial to the Missing to properly recognize those who have given their lives during times of war and to spread and foster liberty throughout the Galaxy.
The Act also establishes two programs to provide additional benefits for Veterans. The Veterans' Education Fund is a joint AC fund to provide post-secondary education to veterans throughout the confederacy, with many accommodations and provisions depending on veterans' conditions, allowing a good degree of freedom. Lastly, the Faris’ Confederate Armed Service Honors Act establishes a series of distinguished service medallions to be awarded to living combat veterans or posthumously to their next of kin. The medals include:
The Order of Antares
The Order of Eight Banners
The Order of Eleven Banners
The Order of Unity
Distinguished Army Star
Distinguished Navy Star
Distinguished JSOG Star
More details on the Act, its provisions, and its implementation across the Confederacy can be found on the Senate's website and relevant Republic sources.
The passing of the Honoring Antares’ Veterans Act marks a momentous day for the Confederacy, reaffirming its stance on the nature and tragedy of war, but not limiting itself in its condescending nature, eager to help others and equally aid those that have been disproportionally affected.
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