Recognizing May 18, 2019 as Armed Forces Day in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May, which this year is May 18, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Armed Forces Day honors the men and women who are serving the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, including National Guard and Reserve components; and

WHEREAS, In 1948, the United States consolidated the military services in the Department of Defense. That same year, on August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an “Armed Forces Day”, a single-day celebration for all branches of the Armed Forces which would replace the separate recognitions for Army Day, Air Force Day, Coast Guard Day, Marine Corps Day, and Navy Day; and

WHEREAS, Without the continued sacrifice and dedication of members of the Armed Forces and their families, we would not be able to experience the freedoms that we have in America; and

WHEREAS, Starbucks Coffee has been a leader in creating opportunities for and supporting veterans and military families. The company has hired over 22,000 veterans and military spouses since 2013 and is now committed to hiring 25,000 by 2025. Starbucks supports national veterans organizations such as The Mission Continues, Team Rubicon, Team RWB, and the USO. Locally, Starbucks is making a contribution to veterans memorials in Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it recognizes May 18, 2019 as Armed Forces Day in the City of Philadelphia and it wishes to join the nation to express our respect and gratitude to all the brave men and women who defend our nation and its people at home and abroad.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Starbucks Coffee as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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