May 13, 2021
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has recognized May 2021 as Military Appreciation Month to honor and recognize those individuals and their families who make the commitment to serve in uniform and those who support them.
With Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 7, Victory in Europe Day on May 8, Children of Fallen Patriots Day on May 13, Armed Forces Day on May 15 and Memorial Day on May 31, this is a significant month for veterans and the military.
"This month, we honor Michiganders who answered the call of duty for their service to and sacrifices for our country," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "I am proudly designating May as Military Appreciation Month. I want to extend Michigan's gratitude to all military families and veteran caregivers for their tireless, selfless support of our active and retired service members."
Military Appreciation Month, which was designated by Congress in 1999, offers an opportunity for Michigan to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Citizens of the state have served in every major conflict since the Civil War.
"Military Appreciation Month honors those commitments made by our service members and veterans who courageously answered the call to serve," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general and director of the DMVA. "A proven professional military doesn't stand on its own and is strengthened by a support network of families and community caregivers serving behind the scenes, and for them, we give our thanks."
This month, there are many ways to celebrate Military Appreciation Month. One of the best ways to show support for veterans is to donate to a charity that supports them. The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is accepting donations to help support heroes both on and off the battlefield. Learn how you can provide veterans with education, housing and other resources as a thank you for their service at https://www.thepayplace.com/mi/mva/donations/billpreview.aspx.
Michigan is committed to making the state the premier choice for military service members, veterans and their families to live, work, serve and play. In support of this effort, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency helps connect veterans with federal, state and local benefits and resources they earned for their service. To learn more about employment, healthcare, education and quality-of-life benefits, veterans can contact the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET or online at www.MichiganVeterans.com.
For more information on Michigan Military and Veterans Affairs, visit www.michigan.gov/dmva.
WHEREAS, Michigan has a long and storied history of supporting the U.S. military dating back to the early days of this great nation. From our critical support of the Union efforts during the Civil War to the vital role we played as the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II, there is no question of our state's commitment to the armed forces; and,
WHEREAS, the success of our state would not be possible without the brave men and women who have chosen to serve in our armed forces, whose service reflects the true spirit and patriotism embodied in so many of our citizens; and,
WHEREAS, members of the Michigan National Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers stepped forward and assisted in a number of crucial capacities during the state's COVID-19 response efforts, effectively addressing the needs of our citizens during this critical time; and,
WHEREAS, in addition to those who serve, there are a number of Veterans Service Organizations that, when combined, reflect a strong advocacy tool for those who serve and have served, as well as demonstrate Michigan's unique position to support our military through the work of our higher education institutions and our manufacturing community; and,
WHEREAS, the work of the Air Force Association, the Association of the United States Army, the National Guard Association of Michigan, the Navy League of the United States, the National Defense Industrial Association, and the Women in Defense in Michigan provides critical resources and advocacy on behalf of military service members, their families, and the economy of this state; and,
WHEREAS, as Michigan continues to focus on the future and identify ways to protect and grow our economy, the military will be a critical partner alongside these organizations to ensure that we have one shared voice and mission; and,
WHEREAS, the development of new jobs and industries will directly support the men and women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces. Our efforts in expanding this segment of our economy must be focused on supporting these brave men and women;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as Military Appreciation Month in Michigan.
Media Contact:
Author:
