Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia

Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia Together slogan

Proclamations

Back to Proclamations

Proclamation Header Image

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

Military Appreciation Month

WHEREAS, for generations, the freedom and security enjoyed by the citizens of the United States are direct results of the continued vigilance and service of the United States Armed Forces over the history of our great nation; and

WHEREAS, the sacrifices of those who served, those currently serving, and the family members that support them have preserved the liberties that have enriched our great Commonwealth of Virginia and this nation, making it unique in the world community; and

WHEREAS, today, Virginia’s military presence is the second largest in the nation with a total economic impact of over $100 billion annually on our Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is home to approximately 700,000 Veterans and nearly 150,000 total active-duty service members, National Guardsmen, and Reservists; and

WHEREAS, in 2004, the United States Congress passed a resolution proclaiming May as National Military Appreciation Month, encouraging all citizens to honor current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, the month of May was selected for this display of patriotism because during this month, we celebrate Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Military Spouse Day, Military and Veteran Caregiver Month, Gold Star Family Awareness Month, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day, National Day of Prayer, and Memorial Day; and

WHEREAS, during this month, and throughout the year, citizens of the Commonwealth express our gratitude and commitment to Virginia service members, veterans, and their families who have dedicated their lives in defense of our freedoms;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2025, as MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.