NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED
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NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED
On October 26th, National Day of the Deployed annually honors the brave men and women who have been deployed, are currently deployed, or will be deployed in service to our country. It is a day to acknowledge the immense sacrifices they and their families make to protect our freedoms.
#DayOfTheDeployed
When a service member is deployed, they are not the only ones who serve. Their families, including spouses, children, and parents, serve alongside them, holding down the home front with unwavering strength and resilience. This day is a powerful reminder of the thousands of families who are separated by deployment, missing holidays, birthdays, and everyday moments together. It recognizes the quiet courage of those at home and the dedicated service of those in distant lands.
National Day of the Deployed is a moment for every American to pause and reflect on the dedication of our armed forces and the silent ranks of families who support them.
7 WAYS TO SUPPORT NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED
Many deployed troops leave their families behind to serve their country. They make the greatest sacrifices to keep their country secure. Showing your support can make a world of difference to a deployed service member and their family. Here are some meaningful ways to observe the day:
Donate to a military organization like the USO. They support troops in the U.S. and overseas. The USO also provides support to the families before, during and after service.
Send care packages. Visit Support Our Troops to find out what and where to send care packages worldwide.
Locally, attend ceremonies honoring the military.
Volunteer your time and services to local military organizations.
If you know a military family, ask what support they need. Needs vary by family. Some just need to hear from home and know they are in your thoughts.
Offer to support military personnel who have no family. They deploy with no one back home to send care packages or other support.
Use #DayOfTheDeployed to post on social media.
NATIONAL DAY OF DEPLOYED HISTORY
Shelle Michaels Aberle of North Dakota started the first Day of the Deployed in 2006. Her cousin, LTC David Hosna, was deployed to Iraq, and she wanted a way to honor him and the millions of other service members defending our country. With the help of North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, Aberle's mission gained momentum.
On October 26, 2006, North Dakota Governor John Hoeven signed the first proclamation for a "Day of the Deployed," making it an official observance in the state. The movement has since grown, with all 50 states now recognizing the day and honoring our deployed heroes.
Important Dates
Grand Forks, North Dakota hosted the first event and honored the NDARNG 1-188th ADA SECFOR and JLENS deployed to Afghanistan.
In 2011, Senator John Hoeven led the efforts and co-sponsored S.RES.295 for a national day of honor. On October 18, 2011, the resolution passed unanimously for the first national day honoring deployed troops and their families.
As of 2012, all 50 states observed National Day of the Deployed.