Military Child Month
WHEREAS, thousands of brave Americans have demonstrated their courage and commitment to freedom by serving the armed forces of the United States both on Active Duty and in the National Guard and Reserves; and
WHEREAS, there are 150,260 children and youth with a parent on Active Duty, in the Guard or Reserves and stationed in Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Virginia has the highest number of active duty, school age children in the nation and has committed to be an active participant in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children which will help these children when they transition from school system to school system across state lines; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is partnering with the Department of Defense to increase access to affordable, quality childcare for military children; and
WHEREAS, children and youth of our service members are major contributors to the fabric of strength for their parents every day; and
WHEREAS, children and youth of our service members continue to make significant contributions to family, schools, communities, the Nation and our Commonwealth, despite prolonged and repeated absences of one or both parents; and
WHEREAS, these children are a source of pride and honor to us all, and it is only fitting that we take the time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and let our men and women in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, we are taking care of their children;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize April 2011 as MILITARY CHILD MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.