S T A T E   O F   V E R M O N T

E X E C U T I V E   D E P A R T M E N T

A   P R O C L A M A T I O N

WHEREAS, Vermonters have a long-standing tradition of serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, with many giving their lives in defense of this country, and the contributions and sacrifices of military personnel from Vermont being vital to maintaining America’s freedoms and way of life; and

WHEREAS, it is important to be aware of the sacrifices that these brave men and women in uniform have made in the past and continue to make in order to support the Constitution and to preserve the liberties that enrich this great nation, and it is also important to recognize the sacrifices, support and dedication of their families; and

WHEREAS, it is valuable for Vermont’s youth to understand the significance of the contributions that members of the United States Armed Forces have made in securing and protecting the freedoms that our citizens enjoy today and the relevance of those contributions to the history of our great nation; and

WHEREAS, understanding that our force is volunteer-driven, it is essential that the future leaders of Vermont and the nation understand the military’s history and traditions, including the contributions and sacrifices of those who have participated in military actions; and

WHEREAS, Vermonters recognize the importance of maintaining a strong, well-equipped, well-educated and well-trained military to safeguard freedoms, as well as humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts around the world; and

WHEREAS, all citizens of the United States and the State of Vermont are asked to proudly fly the flag from May 1st through Flag Day on June 14^th as a display of pride in and honor for our country, for those who have fallen, for those who serve, those who have served and the families who support them.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, James H. Douglas, Governor, do hereby proclaim May, 2010 as

MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

in Vermont.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont

this 2^nd day of May, A.D. 2010.

[ signed ]_________________

James H. Douglas

Governor

By the Governor:

[ signed ]_______________________

David Coriell

Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs