In a sweeping show of support for the armed forces, Fort Worth city workers have come together to pay homage to military heroes during National Military Appreciation Month. Taking cues from time-honored traditions, city employees flexed their patriotic muscles by creating an oversized thank-you card, a symbol of their unyielding respect for the troops stationed at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.
The gargantuan gesture materialized when employees put pen to paper on a Texas-sized card, ultimately delivered directly into the hands of Commander Clayton Johnson, NAS JRB Fort Worth’s executive officer. According to the City of Fort Worth, the display was a centerpiece of the city's effort to openly express its esteem for those in service. The Diversity & Inclusion Employee Committee spearheaded the initiative to accolade the base that has become a core part of Fort Worth's fabric.
The city's acknowledgment didn’t just stop with the grand card. An emblematic sign now stands on the second floor of the Old City Hall, right outside the Council Chamber, a silent testament to honor those city employees whose past deeds in the military are eternally etched in service and sacrifice. This commemorative list names the proud veterans among the city's workforce, pooled from the fall employee veteran survey responses.
Not to be mistaken as a one-off, the decision by the U.S. Senate in 1999 to dedicate the entire month of May for military appreciation ensures that Americans remember to perpetually recognize the sacrifices made by military members and their families. The month is dotted with dedicated days—Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day—each crafted to distinctly acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of various segments within the military community. The USO further reminds us of the importance of such celebrations in maintaining the spirit of patriotism and gratitude across the nation.
As May continues, the city’s gestures provide a palpable reminder of the enduring bond between Fort Worth and its military heritage. The diverse footprints of the military personnel, both past, and present, are indelibly imprinted in the community, celebrated, and revered, as befitting the heroes they are.
