Title
Proclamation Declaring November 2018 as National Veterans and Military Families Month. (City Manager 2110)
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, during National Veterans and Military Families Month, we honor the significant contributions made by American service members, their families, and their loved ones; and
Whereas, as home to Base Alameda, located at Coast Guard Island, and headquarters to the 4th Force Reconnaissance Company (4th Force Recon), a Force Reconnaissance unit of the United States Marine Corps and former Naval Air Station Alameda (NAS Alameda), the City of Alameda has a large number of veterans and active military families; and
Whereas, on April 1, 1942, 16 Army Air Force B-25 bombers and 71 officers and 130 enlisted men, led by Jimmy Doolittle, including his 79 fellow Raiders, embarked upon the USS Hornet at the Naval Air Station Alameda to travel across the Pacific Ocean toward Japan. On April 18, 1942, they were spotted by Japanese patrol, and in direct retaliation for the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the Army bombers were immediately launched, 10 hours earlier than intended and 650 miles east of Japan to execute the famous air strike known as the Doolittle Tokyo Raid, thereby altering the course of World War II; and
Whereas, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen are part of an unbroken chain of brave patriots who have served our country with honor and made tremendous sacrifices so that we may live free. They have left their families to face danger and uncertainty, and they have endured the wounds of war; and
Whereas, our military families endure many hardships along with those who defend our Nation. They are separated from their loved ones for months on end and frequently relocated across the country and around the world. They know what it is like to celebrate holidays and milestones with an empty seat at the table. Many military spouses face the task of making ends meet while their loved ones are away. Children of service members often grow up living a nomadic life - periodically calling a new place “home” and adjusting to different schools, trying out for new sports teams, and making new friends. In these lives of frequent change; and
Whereas, this month, in which Americans traditionally pause to give thanks for our blessings, it is fitting that we come together to honor with gratitude our extraordinary veterans and military families and their service to our country. May God continue to bless our Armed Forces and those families that love and support them.
Now, therefore be it resolved that I, Trish Herrera Spencer, Mayor of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim November 2018 as
National Veterans and Military Families Month
in Alameda, and I encourage all Americans to acknowledge and honor the service, sacrifices, and contributions of our veterans and military families for what they have done and for what they do every day to support our great Nation.
Trish Herrera Spencer
Mayor