Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller dedicated this week to honoring Maryland’s veterans through various Veterans Day events.
At a Thursday breakfast at Government House, Governor Moore signed two executive orders: one for a Global War on Terrorism Veterans Memorial, and another to tackle veteran suicide. He was accompanied by Lt. Gov. Miller, Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Woods, Secretary of State Susan Lee, Senator Michael Jackson, Delegate Nick Allen, Councilmember Pete Smith, and veteran and military family advocates and leaders, along with Maryland military installation leaders.
Gov. Moore emphasized, “Today is centered on remembrance. We honor the service and sacrifices of our military personnel and their families. These executive orders reflect this remembrance, with one honoring our troops and the other fulfilling our duty to veterans.”
On Friday, Governor Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott participated in the Baltimore City Veterans Day Parade, led by Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, Maryland National Guard’s Adjutant General.
Gov. Moore expressed, “I salute our veterans and am honored to be among you. ‘Thank you for your service’ is just the beginning of our dialogue. In our first ten months, we’ve shown our gratitude to service members in various ways. Let’s continue ensuring our thanks are meaningful.”
Governor Moore also attended the Vehicles for Change car presentation on Friday. The organization, an EARN Maryland grantee, provides job training and vehicle donations, aiding recipients in accessing better jobs and opportunities. The event, attended by Secretary Woods and Labor Secretary Portia Wu, saw 10 veterans receiving vehicles.
Today, Governor Moore and Lieutenant Governor Miller, alongside U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and Secretary Woods, paid tribute to Maryland’s veterans and military families during the Holiday Meals for Military program at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. The event, by Operation Homefront, provided groceries to 150 military families.
At the event, Governor Moore announced Maryland Joins Forces, aiming to address military-connected community issues across employment, food and housing insecurity, education, health and wellness, and volunteer service. The initiative will involve legislative advocacy, executive action, and strategic communications, with Lt. Gov. Miller as chair.
Gov. Moore stated, “Maryland owes much to our veterans and military families. Their well-being is crucial for a healthy state.”
Lt. Gov. Miller added, “As Maryland Joins Forces chair, I’m committed to supporting our service members and enhancing their quality of life.”
Secretary Woods said, “Maryland Joins Forces will keep our heroes’ talents in Maryland post-service.”
Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet praised the initiative, stating it meets military families’ needs. Operation Homefront President Brig Gen (ret.) John I. Pray, Jr. applauded the effort for strengthening military families and communities. Team RWB Executive Director Mike Erwin expressed enthusiasm for being part of the initiative, highlighting its positive impact on Maryland’s veterans and military families.
