WHEREAS, originally known as Armistice Day in recognition of the end of World War I on November 11th, 1918, the day was officially changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower; and

WHEREAS, every November, people from across the nation gather to honor and salute veterans of all wars who have served our country throughout the years with dedication, patriotism, and courage; and

WHEREAS, veterans from Maine and across the United States have repeatedly answered the call of duty throughout our nation’s history, defending our cherished freedoms and protecting democracy here at home and abroad; and

WHEREAS, Veterans’ Week is a reminder of the great sacrifices and contributions our veterans have made for our country; and

WHEREAS, Maine has one of the highest percentages of veterans in the country, of men and women who share a deep bond built on service and dedication to the United States; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine celebrates Veterans’ Week annually during the week within which November 11th, Veterans’ Day, occurs in accordance with Title 1, MRS § 144;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the great state of Maine, do hereby proclaim November 5th through November 11th, 2023 as

Veterans’ Week

in Maine, and I encourage all Maine citizens to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the men and women who have served our country.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this eighth day of November Two Thousand Twenty Three