Hidden Heroes Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Hidden Heroes Month

WHEREAS, more than 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers nationwide, who are parents, spouses, siblings and friends, are caring for those wounded, ill or injured who have served our nation throughout wars and conflicts; and,

WHEREAS, the daily tasks of these caregivers can include bathing, feeding, dressing, and caring for the grievous injuries of wounded warriors, administering medications, providing emotional support, caring for the family and the home, and working outside the home to earn essential income; and,

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth and the nation provide multi-faceted support to our wounded, ill and injured veterans and service members through public, private and philanthropic resources, and their caregivers receive little support or acknowledgement for their selfless sacrifices; and,

WHEREAS, most caregivers consider the challenging work they do as unconditional love or as carrying out their civic and patriotic duty, without realizing they are, in fact, categorized as caregivers; and,

WHEREAS, according to research commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, an alarming number of caregivers are suffering numerous debilitating mental, physical and emotional effects as a result of the many mental, physical and financial duties of their caregiving duties; and,

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia desires to recognize and support those who are serving in these vital roles in our own communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize August 2022 as HIDDEN HEROES MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA to honor and support those who are serving in vital roles in the Commonwealth as military and veteran caregivers and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations