Veterans Service Recognition Month

(a)The month of November is designated as “Veterans Service Recognition Month” in Guam.

(b)Purpose. Veterans Service Recognition Month is established to honor the profound legacy of military service that defines our island community. This month-long observance shall serve to:

(1)Recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces;

(2)Celebrate the unique cultural heritage of military service from Guam;

(3)Acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of military families;

(4)Preserve and share the stories of veteran service members;

(5)Promote understanding between military and civilian communities;

(6)Support programs that assist veterans and their families;

(7)Encourage youth engagement with veteran communities;

(8)Foster appreciation for military service and sacrifice;

(9)Recognize the dual-mission nature of our National Guard members who serve both our island and our nation, responding to local emergencies while maintaining readiness for federal military service.

(10)To expand the Guam Veterans Registry.

(c)Program Requirements. During Veterans Service Recognition Month, the following programs and activities may be conducted:

(1)Educational Programs in Schools:

(A)Veterans may be invited to share their experiences with students; CH. 10 HOLIDAYS, FESTIVITIES, TIME, ETC.

(B)Curriculum may include lessons about Guam’s military history;

(C)Student projects may focus on veteran contributions to our community.

(2)Cultural Preservation:

(A)Documentation of veteran oral histories;

(B)Exhibitions of military artifacts and memorabilia;

(C)Recognition of CHamoru military traditions.

(3)Community Engagement:

(A)Veterans appreciation events in each village;

(B)Military family recognition ceremonies;

(C)Gold Star Family memorial services.

(4)Support Services:

(A)Veterans benefits awareness programs;

(B)Military family support workshops;

(C)Veteran employment and education fairs.

(5)National Guard Recognition:

(A)Special recognition of National Guard units response to natural disasters and local emergencies;

(B)Documentation of the history and development of Guam’s National Guard components;

(C)Educational programs highlighting the unique dual state-federal mission of the National Guard;

(D)Recognition of employers who support National Guard members’ service commitments.

(d)Implementation Responsibilities:

(1)I Maga’håga/Maga’låhi shall:

(A)Issue an annual proclamation for Veterans Service Recognition Month;

(B)Direct executive agencies to support month-long observances;

(C)Ensure adequate resources for program implementation.

(2)The Guam Office of Veterans Affairs

(GOVA)may:

(A)Coordinate month-long activities;

(B)Collaborate with the Guam Veterans Commission and military and veteran organizations;

(C)Monitor program effectiveness.

(3)The Department of CHamoru Affairs may:

(A)Integrate cultural elements into observances;

(B)Document veteran contributions to CHamoru heritage; CH. 10 HOLIDAYS, FESTIVITIES, TIME, ETC.

(C)Preserve veteran stories and artifacts.

(4)The Guam Department of Education may:

(A)Develop curriculum materials;

(B)Coordinate school-based activities;

(C)Facilitate veteran-student interactions.

(5)The Adjutant General of the Guam National Guard may:

(A)Coordinate National Guard participation in Veterans Service Recognition Month activities;

(B)Facilitate public education about the National Guard’s dual mission;

(C)Support veteran outreach programs through National Guard facilities and resources.

(e)Funding. The implementation of Veterans Service Recognition Month programs may be subject to the availability of funds appropriated by I Liheslaturan Guåhan.

(f)Annual Report. The Government of Guam instrumentality so established to service the Veteran Community on Guam shall report to I Liheslaturan Guåhan by January 31 of each year detailing the activities, participation, and impact of Veterans Service Recognition Month programs.