Governor Stein Proclaims Blue Star Welcome Week

Blue Star Welcome Week

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, each year nearly 600,000 active-duty and transitioning military families move to new communities as part of their servicemembers’ commitment to protecting our nation; and each family seeks to gain a sense of belonging as part of their new community;

Whereas, each year in North Carolina, more than 20,000 active-duty military personnel stationed in the state transition from military service to civilian status; and

Whereas, the nonprofit Blue Star Families recognizes that only 39 percent of military family respondents to the 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey reported that they feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community; and

Whereas, Blue Star Families, founded by military spouses in 2009, works to empower military families through creating connections among neighbors, individuals, and organizations to nurture caring communities of mutual support that are essential to the well-being and readiness of military families; and

Whereas, to raise awareness of military families and the importance of community connections, Blue Star Families annually designates the week beginning the fourth Saturday in September and concluding eight days thereafter as Blue Star Welcome Week; and 

Whereas, community members in North Carolina can do their part and welcome military and veteran families into their communities and help express our nation’s gratitude for the selflessness and sacrifices made by servicemembers and their families;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 26 – October 4, 2026, as “Blue Star Welcome Week” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this eighth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.