National Veterans and Military Families Month, 2020

Proclamation 10114 of October 30, 2020

National Veterans and Military Families Month,
2020

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation's service members--past and present--and
their families represent the very best of America.
Motivated by patriotism and love of country, our
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen,
and Space Warfighters serve at home and abroad with
professionalism, ingenuity, integrity, and devotion.
Their families always stand beside them in their
missions and as they transition to civilian life.
During National Veterans and Military Families Month,
we celebrate the loved ones of our country's men and
women in uniform and recognize the sacrifices they have
made in support of our Nation's heroes.

When I first took office, I pledged to our Armed Forces
that I would always have their backs; and that means
providing for military families as well. The demands
and challenges of military life are shared by the loved
ones of our heroes. Spouses, parents, siblings, and
children often shoulder increased burdens and
responsibilities when their servicemen and women are
called to duty. Military families, and especially
spouses have to endure the stress of frequent
relocations and deal with job searches under state
licensing regulations that can prevent them from
working in their chosen occupations. To address this
issue, my Administration eliminated unnecessary and
cumbersome red tape that stifled career opportunities
for military spouses, and the Department of Defense has
implemented programs to enhance childcare opportunities
for military families.

Too many veterans carry painful memories and bear
physical and emotional scars from their service. We
will never forget our veterans who are suffering from
mental health issues or the military families that are
left behind by veteran suicide. As President, I have
prioritized changing the culture surrounding mental
health and promoting a society that recognizes the
infinite value and purpose of every life. Last year, I
mobilized every available Federal resource to develop
and implement the President's Roadmap to Empower
Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide. I also
fought for and secured a record $8.6 billion in funding
for mental health services in the most recent
Department of Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. In
October, I signed the Commander John Scott Hannon
Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which will
bolster these efforts even further. Like never before,
we are using a whole-of-government approach to better
understand and prevent suicide. No American warrior
should ever be forgotten, and no military family should
ever be left behind.

Since the beginning of my Administration, it has been a
top priority and my solemn pledge to honor, equip, and
protect our service members, veterans, and their
families. My commitment has not wavered. America's
military might is essential to our safety, prosperity,
and national security. Caring for the brave Americans
in our Armed Forces, and their families, and upholding
our sacred obligation to those who have served with
honor is the least we can do for those who have given
so much for so many. This month, we pledge our
gratitude to every man and woman currently serving this
Nation in uniform, to all our veterans who helped
preserve and defend our precious freedom, and to every
family member who shares in the service

and sacrifice of military life. My Administration will
never stop fighting to enhance and improve the quality
of life for these exceptional Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim November 2020 as
National Veterans and Military Families Month. I
encourage all communities, all sectors of society, and
all Americans to acknowledge and honor the service,
sacrifices, and contributions of veterans and military
families for what they have done and for what they do
every day to support our great Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.