In a salute to war veterans, Langley Federal Credit Uniondemonstrated anew its support for the military by becoming a“platinum sponsor” for a newly erected Veterans Tribute Tower beingdedicated Friday in Williamsburg, Va.

The $1.6 billion Langley of Newport News, Va. said it was“deeply honored” to be part of the weekend festivities including aSaturday parade in Williamsburg as part of the “11/11/11”commemoration.

Langley officials said also its participation in the dedicationof the 32-foot high bell tower in a Williamsburg park underscores anew CU project to provide assistance to returning Iraq andAfghanistan soldiers suffering from traumatic stressdisorder.

“We're participating because the weekend event is a kickoff ofan effort to provide much-needed support to our brave militarymembers returning from war zones, especially reservists whoencounter problems re-entering the workforce,” explained Brett T.Noll, senior vice president/chief marketing officer at LangleyFCU.

As a platinum sponsor for the Virginia Veterans Tribute weekend,Langley joins two other prime backers, the Verdin Co., theCincinnati manufacturer of clock towers, and Leebcor Services Inc.,a Williamsburg contractor serving the military.

“Langley sponsored this event because 11-11-11 only happens onceevery hundred years and the clock tower will remain as a permanenttribute to our nation's veterans and will certainly be a focalpoint in our community,” said Noll.

Verdin said the Williamsburg tower is the fourth of theseVeteran Tribute Towers erected in cites nationally to honorveterans. The Williamsburg tower like the others, “salutes thepast, honors the present and inspires the future.”

Verdin has also produced similar pieces for the SmithsonianInstitution, the University of Notre Dame and the National Shrineof the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

In bringing the bell foundry from Cincinnati to Williamsburg,Verdin said a group of Patriot Riders on motorcycles serving asescorts will be met Saturday at the Virginia border in a specialceremony.