September 25, 2009

Non-Commissioned Officer Month

WHEREAS, the Non-Commissioned Officer ranks, namely corporals and sergeants, date back more than 230 years in United States Army history, beginning with the birth of the Continental Army in 1775 and highlighted; and

WHEREAS, Non-Commissioned Officers occupy positions of respect and leadership, and have been the guardians of the service branches’ standards as trainers, technical experts and small unit leaders; and

WHEREAS, Non-Commissioned Officers and their families have made daily sacrifices and exemplified courage and patriotism in their commitment to provide continual and invaluable service to the State of Alabama and to this great Nation; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride and boundless affirmation that we as Alabamians honor the untold number of men and women of the United States Armed Forces, active and retired, Reserves and National Guard, who have stepped forward in all circumstances throughout American history so that we can live in freedom; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as

Non-Commissioned Officer Month

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 25th day of September 2009.

Governor Bob Riley