RESOLUTION
Whereas, tens of millions of Americans have served in the Armed Forces of the United States during the past century; and
Whereas, hundreds of thousands of Americans have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces during the past century; and
Whereas, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in our Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the people of the United States; and
Whereas, the advent of the all-volunteer Armed Forces has resulted in a sharp decline in the number of individuals and families who have had any personal connection with the Armed Forces; and
Whereas, this reduction in familiarity with the Armed Forces has resulted in a marked decrease in the awareness by citizens of the nature and importance of the accomplishments of those who have served in the Armed Forces, despite the current educational efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the veterans service organizations; and
Whereas, the system of civilian control of the Armed Forces makes it essential that the future leaders of the Nation understand the history of military action and the contributions and sacrifices of those who conduct such actions; and
Whereas, in each of the years 2000 through 2007 the Senate has recognized the need to increase the understanding of the contributions of veterans among school-aged children by approving a resolution recognizing the week containing Veterans Day as "National Veterans Awareness Week." We view it as fitting and appropriate to continue and expand upon this worthy recognition; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the Members of the City Council, assembled this sixteenth day of November, 2016, do hereby designate the month of November, 2016, as "National Veterans Awareness Month" in Chicago for the purpose of emphasizing educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we encourage the people of the Chicago to observe National Veterans Awareness Month with appropriate educational activities.