The month of November is observed as Military Family Month. The practice was initiated by the Armed Services YMCA in 1996. It is done to acknowledge the tremendous sacrifices that are made by the families of military personnel. The heroes who safeguard our nation cope with new and alien living conditions and undergo hardships in the call of duty while living separated from their dear and near ones. Military families therefore represent resilience and courage. It is therefore important that a nation cares for its military families. This in turn sustains our armed forces and keep the nation secure.
Every November, the President of the United States of America signs a proclamation declaring November as National Veterans & Military Families Month. This is the nation’s way of honouring hundreds of thousands of service members who are deployed overseas, doing active duty, Guard, and Reserve military duty. Recognizing their families is of utmost importance. On behalf of the American people, President Joseph R. Biden thanked millions of service members, veterans, military families, caregivers, and survivors who have served and continue to serve the nation. He said that as a nation, it is our sacred obligation to properly equip and prepare our troops when we send them in to harm’s way and to support them and their families, when they are deployed and when they return home. It is not only the persons in uniform who are serving the country but also their families through their enormous sacrifices. The President quoted the poet John Milton’s lines, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Remarking that our veteran and military families do so much and ask for little, he added that they are strong and adaptable, changing course to accommodate the needs of our country, often foregoing personal wishes. They are capable and proud, holding down the home front during their loved one’s deployments, coping through their absence and the risk of danger, and helping them readjust when they come home.
Why is it important to support military families? If a service member is worried that his wife is struggling to bring food on the table or that their child is having a tough time at school, it is harder to focus on his mission. This is the reason why supporting military families is a national security imperative. The US First Lady met with America’s military and veteran families, caregivers, survivors, and advocates to understand how we can better support and prioritize their needs. Based on these discussions, the Government will share data, create innovative solutions, and implement evidence-based programs and policies. Earlier in September, Joining Forces, the White House initiative to support veteran and military families and the National Security Council released a report outlining the Government’s commitments and proposals for supporting military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. In this month of November, we show our appreciation to the latter for their selfless sacrifice for the nation.
Every citizen of a nation ought to always remember its military with gratitude. At the same time, they must recognize the sacrifice of the military families. In observing Military Family Month, we fulfil that obligation. November 11th is observed as Veterans Day. Formerly known as Armistice Day, it was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918.
