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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING NOVEMBER AS NATIONAL VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES MONTH
WHEREAS, November is nationally recognized as National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to honor and celebrate the service and sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and the families who have supported them; and
WHEREAS, the history of veterans in Cook County, Illinois, is rich and long-standing, with men and women from this community serving in every major conflict in U.S. history, from the Civil War to the World Wars, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, the War on Terror, and ongoing military operations across the globe; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has been home to generations of veterans who have made immeasurable contributions to the security and progress of our nation. Today, it remains one of the largest centers of military veterans in the United States, with nearly 150,000 veterans residing in the county, making Cook County a cornerstone of veteran support and services in the region; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has long been at the forefront of ensuring that veterans receive the services, support, and recognition they deserve. From the establishment of the Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission in 1946 and the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs in 2012, which has provided essential services such as housing, financial support, and job training to veterans and their families, to the expansion of healthcare and mental health services at Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, the Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and other facilities, Cook County remains deeply committed to improving the lives of veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital and the Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, both integral parts of the VA healthcare system in Cook County, provide high-quality care and specialized services to thousands of veterans. These institutions offer critical medical care, mental health services, and rehabilitation programs, ensuring that veterans receive the support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives; and
WHEREAS, Cook County veterans have served with courage and commitment in conflicts around the world, with many returning home to contribute to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the region. They have helped build strong communities, support local economies, and raise families in Cook County, and they continue to play a critical role in our workforce, local governments, and civic life; and
WHEREAS, military families in Cook County have borne the challenges of service with resilience and strength, often enduring lengthy deployments, frequent relocations, and periods of uncertainty, all while maintaining strong ties to their communities and providing unwavering support to their service members; and
WHEREAS, National Veterans and Military Families Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by these individuals and families, and to honor the lasting impact they have had on Cook County’s development and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, it is essential for the Cook County Board of Commissioners to continue to work alongside local veterans' organizations, military family support groups, and community stakeholders to ensure that veterans and their families receive the benefits and recognition they deserve, and that their stories and contributions are acknowledged for generations to come;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize November as National Veterans and Military Families Month in Cook County, and encourage all residents to take time during this month to reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans and military families, and to express appreciation for their service to our nation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body.
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