HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES

WHEREAS, many of our brother Knights, along with thousands of other servicemen and servicewomen, are presently deployed in hostile and unstable regions around the world in efforts to combat terrorism, maintain order, and promote peace; and

WHEREAS, many of these men and women have heroically given their lives or sustained serious or debilitating injury while deployed in the service of their country; and

WHEREAS, Knights of Columbus support for the armed forces dates to World War I and the establishment of more than 100 Knights of Columbus morale centers supporting the welfare of Allied troops under the banner “Everybody Welcome, Everything Free”; and

WHEREAS, we are committed to the spiritual welfare of the armed forces through our ongoing support of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, which is critical to the formation of new military chaplains; and

WHEREAS, since 2004 the Order has distributed more than 600,000 copies of its Armed With the Faith military prayer books to Catholic troops around the world, including more than 65,000 copies of a bilingual edition for the Canadian military; and

WHEREAS, since 2013, we have worked with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, to sponsor the Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage, which provides an opportunity for non-wounded, wounded, ill, or injured military personnel to travel to this special Marian shrine for spiritual renewal and healing; and

WHEREAS, we are committed to “serving those who served” through the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services program, with brother Knights donating nearly 100,000 hours of volunteer service at over 100 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers in recent years; and

WHEREAS, we maintain 68 active military councils around the world that provide both material and spiritual support to answer the special needs of their local military and civilian communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Knights of Columbus reaffirms our unequivocal gratitude, support, and encouragement for the men and women of the armed forces who defend our liberties and freedoms; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we will never waver in our commitment to recognize the contributions of every service member on active duty, in the Guard, in the Reserves, and all veterans and retired service members; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we prayerfully support and encourage the families of those servicemen and servicewomen who are deployed; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we continue to pray for the mission success and the safe return of all military personnel throughout the world, especially those deployed to combat zones; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we now pay tribute to those men and women who have served, especially those who have suffered serious combat injuries, and we pray for the souls of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the service of their country.