Eleventh Annual Blue Star Salute Day

WHEREAS, it is with great pride and boundless admiration that we as Alabamians honor the untold number of men and women of the United States Armed Forces, active and retired, Reserves and National Guard, who have stepped forward in all circumstances throughout American history so that we can live in freedom; and

WHEREAS, the 240^th Anniversary of the firing of “the shot heard ‘round the world” – April 20, 2015, commemorates the beginning of when America’s first military heroes made the ultimate sacrifice for liberty and began a Revolution believing in the rule of law, the consent of the governed and steadfastly holding to the proposition that all men are created equal; and

WHEREAS, throughout worldwide conflicts and lonely outposts, since that fateful day at Concord Bridge, when taking the beaches at Normandy, or defending the American shoreline, or enduring the bitter winters of Korea, or trudging through the steamy jungles of Vietnam, or when fighting in the War On Terrorism in the sandy deserts of Afghanistan or Iraq, or when sailing the high seas in a war vessel or taking flight in a war plane, one thing has always been constant—The military servicemen and women of the United States Armed Forces have always performed their duty with Honor, Courage, Bravery and Distinction; and

WHEREAS, the United States Armed Forces can always be depended upon to carry the banner of Freedom and democracy, and we must not forget the brave families and loved ones who also sacrifice for our liberty, and who, on occasion, endure the ultimate burden of losing a loved one in the military services of our Country; and

WHEREAS, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Commission, The South Alabama Veterans Council and the City of Mobile in cooperation with the founding and participating organizations of the Blue Star Salute Foundation—The American Legion, Alabama Societies Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Wives, Disabled American Veterans—and many other supporting groups and organizations wish to further recognize our Nation’s indebtedness to its veterans and military service members; and

WHEREAS, on this Armed Forces Day, May 16, 2015, The Blue Star Salute Foundation in cooperation with the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Commission, the South Alabama Veterans Council, the City of Mobile and many other supporting and participating groups and organizations, which are committed to fostering and rendering full honor and respect to our Nation’s Guardians of Freedom, Veterans of such military service, and all their family members, will proudly host the ELEVENTH ANNUAL BLUE STAR SALUTE for the state of Alabama at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 16, 2015, as

Eleventh Annual Blue Star Salute Day

in the state of Alabama.