It declares Verardo’s “Alive Day” as Wounded Warriors Day in North Carolina.
Cooper described North Carolina as a military and veteran-friendly state, with more than 750,000 veterans, of which more than 150,000 are disabled.
Cooper said sitting next to Verardo and being around other wounded veterans Wednesday further put the numbers into perspective.
“Because of you, I can run for office. Because of you, I have my freedom. . This is what we are about, not only as North Carolinians but as Americans,” Cooper told the veterans.
Verardo’s wife, Sarah Verado, said her husband is proud of his service, and the terroristic attacks on 9/11 was the driving force for him wanting to join the military.
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