NORFOLK – Governor McDonnell today participated in the Military Appreciation Month proclamation ceremony aboard the USS San Jacinto at Naval Station Norfolk. The event celebrates the heroic and patriotic men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their service and dedication. Governor McDonnell issued a proclamation for the month of May highlighting the sacrifices made by the members of the United States Armed Forces and the family members that support them. May was designated as Military Appreciation Month nationally by congress in 1999.
“Virginia is home to more than 63,000 active duty military personnel and over 830,000 veterans,” said Governor McDonnell. “Since the birth of our nation, Virginia has had a proud history of service in the United States Armed Forces in both times of peace and times of war. From our heroes in the first two world wars to the courage displayed in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world in the global war on terrorism, our proud military men and women continue to be the backbone of our Commonwealth and our nation.
"It is with the utmost respect and fullest measure of gratitude that we celebrate today the countless contributions and limitless courage of our service members. As citizens of Virginia, let’s all take time this month to thank a friend or neighbor serving our country for what they do for us every day.”
On hand for the event was Admiral John Harvey, Commander of the United States Fleet Forces Command, representing the active component of the military and Major General Daniel “Chip” Long, Adjutant General of Virginia, representing the reserve component who were presented framed copies of the proclamation by Governor McDonnell. Also participating in the event was Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Terrie Suit and Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim, who gave remarks during the presentation.
“This proclamation, and the subsequent ceremony, represents our personal thanks and appreciation, as a Commonwealth, to our brave men and women in uniform,” said Secretary Suit. “I salute our service members and their families who must sacrifice in so many ways. Through training, deployment and all the difficulties that accompany military life, some of our most valuable and productive citizens come from our military families. They know what it means to be a part of something bigger than themselves and our nation is better off because of it.”
For more information regarding national Military Appreciation Month, visit http://www.nmam.org/. To view Governor McDonnell’s proclamation visit www.governor.virginia.gov/. The proclamation can be found under the “Our Commonwealth” link, followed by the “Proclamations” link.
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