CITY OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA
P R O C L A M A T I O N
Declaring May 2022 as Military Appreciation Month
WHEREAS, in 1999, Senator John McCain introduced legislation to recognize National Military Appreciation Month and gather the country around its military family to honor, remember, recognize, and appreciate those who are serving or have served and to know their history; and
WHEREAS, the month of May also recognizes Month of the Military Caregiver, Loyalty Day and Silver Star Service Banner Day (May 1), Public Service Recognition Week ( May 1-7), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 6), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Children of Fallen Patriots Day (May 13), Armed Forces Day (May 21), and Memorial Day (May 30); and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Resource Program (VRP) in Richmond provides services for homeless veterans in the Bay Area, including housing, employment, job training, and information on higher educational opportunities, all while providing residents of the VRP home a veteran peer support network, access to free computer and internet services, a bike riding program, outings , and accessibility to the upcoming VRP housing development project which will provide housing for homeless, independent veterans and those who require assisted living; and
WHEREAS, the Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office helps over 72,000 veterans and their families obtain benefits from fe deral, state , and local agencies , including: benefits for burials, education, home loans, medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation; compensation for service related disabilities; p ensions for non -service related deaths and for war -time veterans with non -service connected disabilities; governm ent life insurance and proceeds; Military Survivor Benefits Plan; and California College Tuition Fee Waiver Program; and
WHEREAS, www.militarybenefits.info suggests ways to support our military and veterans , including: displaying the U.S. flag at your home or business; showing support on social media with #MilitaryAppreciationMonth; sending a care package to a soldier ; encouraging elected officials to show recognition; thanking someone in uniform for their s ervice or surprising them with a treat; honoring or recognizing these observances in classroom s with teachers and students or through businesses’ websites, social media, and newsletters; donating to a veteran or military charity; reaching out to a veteran or military family in need; and hiring a veteran.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Richmond City Council do es hereby declare May 2022 as Military Appreciation Month in the City of Richmond and encourage s community members to join in activities that demonstrate appreciation for our military and its service members and honor the sacrifices they made for our freedoms.
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Mayor Tom Butt
City of Richmond, California
May 3, 2022