WHEREAS, Blue Star Families seeks to empower military families by connecting them with their neighbors - individuals and organizations - to create vibrant communities of mutual support; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is home to more than 800,000 active-duty military service members, veterans, and their families, representing nearly 10 percent of our state’s population; and
WHEREAS, a sense of belonging is essential to the wellbeing and readiness of military families, North Carolina commits to ensuring that military-connected families feel a strong sense of belonging to our local communities; and
WHEREAS, we express gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members, transitioning veterans, and their families; and
WHEREAS, we honor the selflessness of our military and veteran families, and encourage our citizens to welcome and embrace our military-connected families into our communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 25 - October 3, 2021 as “BLUE STAR WELCOME WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.