Commemorating May as "National Military Appreciation Month" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, In 1999, United States Senator John McCain introduced legislation to designate May as "National Military Appreciation Month" in the United States. The resolution passed overwhelmingly and since then, annually in the Month of May, we join together to thank those who have served and currently serve our nation in the United States Armed Forces. We recognize the sacrifice that they and their families have made on behalf of our nation and solemnly honor those who fell while fighting to preserve our precious liberties and freedoms; and

WHEREAS, While observing National Military Appreciation Month, American citizens are encouraged to come together and unify in support of our military service members, past and present. To foster that sense of unity, six national observances occur every year during the month of May; and

WHEREAS, Loyalty Day occurs every May st and kicks off the month-long celebrations. On Loyalty Day, we reaffirm our loyalty to the United States and reflect with pride on our nation's proud heritage of serving as a beacon of freedom for all of humanity; and

WHEREAS, Victory in Europe Day is celebrated every May th, in memory of the surrender of Germany in World War II and in remembrance of the heroic efforts the United States and its allies made to liberate Europe from the clutches of Nazi Germany; and

WHEREAS, Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated this year on May th and traditionally falls on the Friday before Mother's Day. On this day, we thank all of the spouses for the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to keep our nation and military strong; and

WHEREAS, Armed Forces Day is celebrated this year on May th, and falls annually on the third Saturday in May. On this day, we give thanks to all service members who dutifully serve and protect our nation in all branches of the American military; the United States Air Force, United States Army, United States Coast Guard, United States Marines, and the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, On the last Monday in May, we remember and commemorate all of America’s veterans who died while in the service of our nation. From Valley Forge to Gettysburg, from the trenches in World War I to Omaha Beach, Iwo Jima, to the skies over Europe and the Pacific Ocean and other battlegrounds in World War II, to the Hills of Korea, the Jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of the Middle East, America has been fortunate through the centuries to have so many of its citizens answer the call in preservation of our liberties, and many have fallen and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of Rhode Island also joyously celebrate Rhode Island Military Families Day every May on the Sunday after Mother's Day. On this day, we come together to show appreciation for all of the sacrifices that military families, spouses and their children, make in support of those who serve in our nation's Armed Forces; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby commemorates May of 2026, as "National Military Appreciation Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Daniel J. McKee, Governor of the State of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Adjutant General, Major General Andrew J. Chevalier.