The GREATER CLEVELAND VETERANS COUNCIL, formed in 1946 to unite Cuyahoga County veterans in their concern for and discussion of national, state, and local legislation that affects veterans' benefits. Member organizations are the VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, American Veterans of World War I, and American Veterans of World War II. Each organization sends representatives to monthly meetings, held at the Disabled American Veterans Hall at 1423 E. 39th St. near Superior Ave. The council participates in memorial observances and parades on Veterans' Day, Memorial Day, and Pearl Harbor Day. Pearl Harbor Survivors Assn. representatives attend meetings but do not belong to the Veterans Council. The first president of the council was Edward J. Sklenicka of Cleveland. All member organizations are chartered by the U.S. Congress. At one time, Greater Cleveland Veterans Council members were part of the JOINT VETERANS COMMISSION, but they opted to form their own organization. In 1995 the Veterans Council remained active under President Marshall Bucy, although the American Veterans of World War I was no longer in existence.
