WHEREAS, 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, institutions that have defended our nation's freedom and upheld our country's values for two and a half centuries; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine has a proud and storied history of military service and one of the highest percentages of veterans in the country, consisting of men and women who share a deep bond built on service and dedication to the United States; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to recognize and celebrate the selfless service and sacrifices of our veterans and military families, who have demonstrated unwavering dedication, patriotism, and courage in defense of our great nation; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine reaffirms its dedication to honoring veterans, strengthening resources for military families, and fostering a culture of service that encourages all citizens to contribute to the well-being of their communities and country;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of November 2-8, 2025 as

Military 250 Week

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to recognize this observance.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twenty second day of October Two Thousand Twenty-Five