Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, introduced a resolution that will make April 18, 2019, “Military Retiree Appreciation Day” to honor military retirees. The resolution aims to commemorate the approximately 2 million retired service members, 60,000 of whom are Alabamians, across the U.S.
“Our military retirees have sacrificed so much to serve our nation and continue to make important contributions in our communities,” Jones said. “We are grateful to them every day, but it is important to also set aside a special day to for the nation to honor and commemorate their service.”
Jones serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“It’s comforting to witness this national recognition of our military retirees,” said Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, president and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America. “This is a special cohort of our nation’s citizenry that have underwritten our freedom by their duty, honor and selfless service and continue to give and serve in their local communities. Recognizing their service and sacrifice is a true heartfelt message that simply says ‘thank you.'”
Jones sponsored the same legislation in 2018 in the Senate. It passed with unanimous support.
The resolution was led by Jones’ colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, Senators Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, and Ted Cruz, R-Texas.
