Governor McCrory Commemorates Armed Forces Day | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory has proclaimed May 17, 2014 as "Armed Forces Day" in North Carolina, encouraging citizens to recognize the state's storied military heritage and its continuing impact on the economic and social livelihood of North Carolina, as well as the many military families that reside in the state.

    "For centuries, servicemen and women have protected our nation and the freedoms we hold dear," said Governor McCrory. "Military families deal with repeated combat deployments for months, often years. Their sacrifices have kept our country together, and as a civilian I understand how priceless that is. We are forever indebted to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and I'm proud of North Carolina's commitment to them."

    North Carolina is home to nearly 800,000 veterans and is the third-largest active military force in the nation, with nearly 120,000 active duty personnel and another 12,000 members of the North Carolina National Guard.

    "Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to recognize each of our armed services for their unique contribution to our nation's defense whether by land, sea or air," said Major General Cornell Wilson, U.S. Marines (Retired), the governor's military affairs advisor. "The men and women who serve in our military have performed magnificently in the defense of the freedoms we enjoy today, and they and their families are to be commended for their courage, selfless sacrifice and willingness to serve."

    The military supports more than 540,000 jobs in North Carolina, including 340,000 in the private sector. It is responsible for $48 billion, or 12 percent, of the gross state product.

    President Harry S. Truman celebrated the first Armed Forces Day in 1950. To find a copy of the governor's proclamation, click here.

    Contact: Crystal Feldman