Military and Veterans Appreciation Week and Veterans Day.pdf
WHEREAS, following the declaration of Armistice Day as a national holiday in 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized November 11 as Veterans Day in 1954; and
WHEREAS, Veterans Day honors and celebrates all of those who have served and sacrificed in the armed conflicts of the United States, as well as their families and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is proud to be the home of more than one million active-duty military service members, veterans, and their families; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina observes our storied history of supporting the United States military, a legacy stretching back to before the founding of our nation; and
WHEREAS, we show our undying respect and gratitude to service members, veterans, and their families, and celebrate the integrity, honor, and valor reflected in their service and dedication; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina residents and businesses can demonstrate their respect for veterans by participating in Operation Green Light throughout the week, to honor those whose service and sacrifice helped preserve our freedom by displaying a green light on the exterior or in a window of their home or business; and
WHEREAS, veterans continue to serve their community through participation in groups, including the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, nonprofit and volunteer groups, communities of faith, civil service and other careers, and much more; and
WHEREAS, approximately 20,000 service members in North Carolina transition to civilian communities annually and they deserve our help and support during what can be a challenging time as they return to civilian life; and
WHEREAS, today and every day, we encourage all people, communities, and leaders to support and honor veterans;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 5 – 11, 2023, as “MILITARY AND VETERANS APPRECIATION WEEK” and November 11, 2023, as “VETERANS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.