Military and Veteran Caregiver Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Military and Veteran Caregiver Month

WHEREAS, over five million parents, spouses, siblings, and friends care for wounded, injured, and ill American service members and veterans; and

WHEREAS, these caregivers are essential to supporting service members and veterans care and improving their quality of life, resulting in improved rehabilitation and recovery; and

WHEREAS, the daily tasks of these military and veteran caregivers can include administering medication, emotional support, and care for the family and home, and working outside the home to earn essential income; and

WHEREAS, many military and veteran caregivers consider the challenging work they do as their civic and patriotic duty, without recognizing themselves as caregivers or formally identifying themselves as such; and

WHEREAS, according to research conducted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, a significant number of military and veteran caregivers experience mental, physical, and emotional effects because of their caregiving duties; and

WHEREAS, Military and Veteran Caregiver Month is an opportunity for the citizens of the Commonwealth to recognize and support those who are serving in these vital roles in our own community; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 2026, as MILITARY AND VETERAN CAREGIVER MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.