Office of the Mayor

Proclamation

Lawrence, Kansas

WHEREAS:    The series of wars in which our nation has been engaged over time, since World War II, has resulted in 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers who are parents, spouses, siblings and friends, caring for those wounded, ill or injured who have served our nation, and

WHEREAS:   The nation provides multi-faceted support to our wounded, ill and injured veterans and service members through public, private and philanthropic resources, but their caregivers receive little support or acknowledgement; and

WHEREAS:   Most military and veteran caregivers consider the challenging work they do as simply carrying out their civic and patriotic duty, without realizing they are, in fact, caregivers, and do not identify themselves as such; and

WHERAS:     An alarming number of military and veteran caregivers, are suffering numerous debilitating mental, physical and emotional effects as a result of their caregiving duties; and,

WHERAS:     May is military appreciation month and Lawrence desires to support those serving in these vital roles in our community in partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s national Hidden Heroes campaign.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Leslie Soden Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, in support of military and veteran caregivers in Lawrence, do herby proclaim Lawrence a

“Hidden Heroes City”

And encourage organizations, employers, and non-profits to create supportive environments and opportunities for assistance. I also encourage those who care for and support veterans and service members to extend that support to their caregivers.

                                                                   Leslie Soden, Mayor

April 18, 2017