Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

County board salutes those in the military
May proclaimed as National Military Appreciation month

by Jeb Bing

Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty presented proclamations to five branches of the military at the board's meeting Tuesday in observance of the Memorial Day weekend and in honor of National Military Appreciation Month.

In 1999, the Congress selected May because it has the most days set aside for celebrating and commemorating our military's achievements.

"As a county supervisor, I get many requests to sign proclamations, resolutions and commendations," Haggerty said. "But today is very significant to me, as we all live very hectic lives with busy schedules, and we often take our freedom for granted."

"By proclaiming May as National Military Appreciation Month our county is able to say thank you to all our service men and women," he added.

The month of May includes Loyalty Day, which was established in 1921; Victory in Europe Day, recognizing the end of WWII in Europe on May, 8, 1945; Armed Forces Day, created in 1949; Military Spouses Appreciation Day, established in 1984; and the best known May holiday, Memorial Day.

National Military Appreciation Month is a chance to recognize those on active duty in all branches of the service, the National Guard and Reserves plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families -- well over 90 million Americans and more than 237 years of our nation's history, Haggerty pointed out.

"As a proud parent of a daughter in the U.S. Navy, it was an honor and distinct privilege to take time out of our board meeting to thank those that have served and continue to serve our great country," Haggerty said.