Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring November 11, 2023, as Veterans Day.
The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:
PROCLAMATION
On Veterans Day, we show our lasting respect and honor for those who have served in the United States military to protect our freedoms and way of life. While we can never repay these brave men and women for their selfless service, our state is proud to honor veterans in deed as well as word.
The holiday was born out of symbolism, commemorating the armistice that took effect on the 11thth 11 o’clockth day of the 11th month of 1918 to end World War I. A year later, America dedicated November 11 as Armistice Day to celebrate that peace and the veterans who fought in the “war to end all wars.” Soon, however, new wars followed, leading to Armistice Day becoming Veterans Day in 1954 – a holiday honoring veterans of all wars.
Today, California is home to nearly 1.6 million veterans who make up all of the state’s diverse populations and are rooted in every facet of our society. They are among the employees and employers driving California’s world-class economy. They are elected officials and civic leaders. They work in public safety and as first responders.
Other veterans are not so lucky, struggling to overcome the physical and emotional wounds of war and service. They need help, and we have no higher duty than to support them. That’s why I’m working with the Legislature to put a measure on the March 2024 ballot, Proposition 1, that includes $1 billion in funding to accommodate veterans with behavioral health needs. We are also implementing a $50 million California Veterans Health Initiative to support veteran mental health and suicide prevention.
In 2025, we will dedicate a new 240-bed skilled nursing and memory care facility at the Veterans Home of California-Yountville, one of our eight homes that care for veterans and their spouses. And we continue to implement efforts that benefit all veterans, including helping those discharged from military service under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as they continue to upgrade their discharge to establish -increasing their eligibility for veterans’ benefits, and prioritizing disabled veteran business owners in bidding for state contracts.
California is dedicated to serving our veterans as much as they serve us. Today, as we reflect on all that we owe to our veterans, we pledge to honor them throughout the year, throughout their lives, in gratitude for the great commitment and personal sacrifice they made for our state and country.
NOW IT’S ME, GAVIN NEWSOMGovernor of the State of California, hereby proclaims November 11, 2023, as “Veterans Day.”
TO WITNESS THIS I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 6th day of November 2023.
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California
STUDY:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State
