September 23-October 1, 2023: Blue Star Welcoming Week

WHEREAS, Blue Star Families seeks to empower military families by connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support; and,

WHEREAS, Blue Star Families annually designates the week beginning the second to last Saturday in September and concluding eight days thereafter as “Blue Star Welcome Week”; and,

WHEREAS, during this week, we recognize the 600,000 active-duty and transitioning military families who move to new communities each year; and,

WHEREAS, nearly half of these permanent change of station (PCS) moves occur during the summer; and,

WHEREAS, only 33% of military family respondents to the 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey reported that they feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community; and,

WHEREAS, a sense of belonging is essential to the well-being and readiness of military families; and,

WHEREAS, we commit to ensuring that military- and Veteran-connected families feel a strong sense of belonging to their local civilian communities; and,

WHEREAS, we express gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members, transitioning Veterans, and their families; and,

WHEREAS, we encourage civilians nationwide to welcome military- and Veteran-connected families into their communities;

NOW, THEREFORE I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of the State of Michigan do hereby proclaim the week of September 23 – October 1, 2023 as Blue Star Welcoming Week in Michigan.