WHEREAS, for generations, the men and women of the Marianas have boldly answered the call to serve with great pride and distinction in our nation’s armed forces. These Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen have endured many sacrifices to defend the freedoms that make our islands and nation what it is today.
WHEREAS, behind these brave service members are their families; spouses, children and parents, who too have had their share of sacrifices; from long deployments to relocation, adjusting to new neighborhoods and schools, having to make new friends and sometimes putting their careers on hold.
WHEREAS, in this commonwealth we have more than 1,000 service members and veterans – each one with their own family and unique story.
WHEREAS, in 2004, the US Congress proclaimed May as National Military Month asking citizens to remember those who gave their lives in defense of freedom and to honor the men and women of all our Armed Forces, who have served and are now serving our country; and
WHEREAS, noting our island heritage and history, we remember the World War II battles fought in the Marianas and the struggles our people overcame.
WHEREAS, fighting for our freedoms came at a great cost with the ultimate sacrifice. Everyone in the Marianas now enjoy such freedoms that owe a lasting debt of gratitude to our Armed Forces.
WHEREAS, President Donald J. Trump proclaimed May 15, 2020 as Armed Forces Day and invited Governors of the States and Territories of the United States to provide for the observance of Armed Forces Day within their jurisdiction each year in an appropriate manner designed to increase public understanding and appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and I, ARNOLD I. PALACIOS, Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in us by the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim the fourth Friday of May as
CNMI ARMED FORCES DAY
We encourage everyone in our community to acknowledge and honor the service, sacrifices, and contributions of our Armed Forces, both past and present, for what they have done and for what they do every day to support our islands and our great Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands on this 21st day of May 2020.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES ARNOLD I. PALACIOS
         Governor Lieutenant Governor
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