WHEREAS, the greatest acknowledgment of our freedom is to honor our armed forces veterans who have sacrificed and, in many instances, paid the ultimate price for our freedom; and WHEREAS, in 1954, Congress formally created Veterans Day to pay tribute to all American Veterans, renaming Armistice Day, which had been celebrated as a legal federal holiday since 1938; and WHEREAS, President Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first president to issue a proclamation on October 8, 1954, to observe the holiday on November 11, 1954; and WHEREAS, the diversity of veterans is a tremendous strength that makes our Armed Forces stronger and more vibrant. Many people throughout our country’s history have served as veterans, including women, people of color, immigrants, people who identify with all sexual orientations and gender identities, people with disabilities, and other brave individuals; and WHEREAS, our veterans are brave and selfless individuals who, when duty called, willingly put themselves in harm's way to defend the lives and liberty of others; and WHEREAS, both men and women of our armed forces continue to be an inspiration to all of us through their demonstration of courage, leadership, and commitment in service to our community and country; and WHEREAS, local organizations, such as Team Red, White & Blue, enrich veterans’ lives by providing community as they transition into their civilian lives; and WHEREAS, Team Red, White, and Blue’s emphasis is prioritizing physical activity, promoting healthy activity, and giving veterans a sense of belonging with real-life and virtual opportunities for camaraderie; and WHEREAS, residents of Costa Mesa, along with millions of other Americans, can attest to the importance of their sacrifices and contributions to our freedom and security; and WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa will always remember and pay homage to our military community, both active and inactive, for their contribution, dedication, and commitment to the one cause of our freedom.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2022, as Veterans Day in the City of Costa Mesa. The City of Costa Mesa proudly joins the rest of our nation to salute and give special honor and recognition to the men and women who served us in our armed forces. I encourage all residents in our City to acknowledge and honor the contributions of our veterans to the principles of democracy, individual freedom, and human rights.
DATED this 1st day of November 2022.
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John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa