WHEREAS, over five million parents, spouses, siblings, and friends care for wounded, injured, and ill American service members and veterans; and  

WHEREAS, these caregivers are essential to supporting service members and veterans care and improving their quality of life, resulting in improved rehabilitation and recovery; and  

WHEREAS, the daily tasks of these military and veteran caregivers can include administering medication, emotional support, and care for the family and home, and working outside the home to earn essential income; and  

WHEREAS, many military and veteran caregivers consider the challenging work they do as their civic and patriotic duty, without recognizing themselves as caregivers or formally identifying themselves as such; and  

WHEREAS, according to research conducted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, a significant number of military and veteran caregivers experience mental, physical, and emotional effects because of their caregiving duties; and  

WHEREAS, Military and Veteran Caregiver Month is an opportunity for the citizens of the Commonwealth to recognize and support those who are serving in these vital roles in our own community; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 2026, as MILITARY AND VETERAN CAREGIVER MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.