WHEREAS, the series of wars and conflicts in which our nation has been engaged over time, since World War II, has resulted in 5.5 million military and Veteran caregivers who are parents, spouses, siblings, and friends; and
WHEREAS, the daily tasks of these military and Veteran caregivers can include bathing, feeding, dressing, and caring for the grievous injuries of wounded warriors; they also administer medications, provide emotional support, care for the family and home, and work outside of the home to earn essential income; and
WHEREAS, the nation provides multi-faceted support to our wounded, ill, and injured Veterans and service members through public, private, and philanthropic resources, but their caregivers receive little support or acknowledgement; and
WHEREAS, most military and Veteran caregivers consider the challenging work they do as simply carrying out their civic and patriotic duty, without realizing they are, in fact, caregivers; and
WHEREAS, an alarming number of military and Veteran caregivers, according to research, are suffering numerous debilitating mental, physical, and emotional effects as a result of their caregiving duties; and
WHEREAS, the state of North Carolina desires to recognize and support those who are serving in these vital roles in our community;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May, 2022, as “HIDDEN HEROES MONTH” and call upon all North Carolinians to honor these caregivers with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.