Gene Vance Jr. Day

Gene Vance Jr. Day is a commemorative Military Appreciation Day named for Gene Arden Vance Jr. and recognized annually during May in the United States by the State of West Virginia. Occurring during Military Appreciation Month and U.S. Armed Forces Week, it honors the legacy of American soldiers who returned home from the Global War on Terror (GWOT), the longest ongoing war in U.S. history, remembers and mourns the fallen and supports the wounded. Official observances are proclaimed annually on May 18 in the City of Morgantown, West Virginia in a citywide ceremony that includes official proclamations, state and local governmental and military leadership addresses and greetings, wreath laying memorializing the names of fallen soldiers from West Virginia, guest speakers and participation from national organizations, musical performances and events to raise awareness for those wounded in the conflict. The day is organized annually by the Gene Vance Jr. Foundation, the West Virginia Army National Guard, City of Morgantown and State of West Virginia.
Framing the Gene Vance Jr. Day are two other U.S. military appreciation days that occur nationally in May, Armed Forces Day, which honors those currently serving followed by Memorial Day, a public holiday honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The Gene Vance Jr. Day is distinct from other U.S. military appreciation days in that it is named for an American military hero and specifically honors American service members and their allies who served and were wounded in a single notable ongoing conflict (GWOT) as well as those who perished in the conflict.
COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 16, 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, founder of the day Michael M.J. Minc spearheaded the 9th annual Gene Vance Jr. Day by creating a virtual event on US Armed Forces Day that also recognized everyone involved in the fight against COVID-19. Entitled ‘United in Spirit’ it brought together national government leaders like Senators Joseph Manchin III, Shelley Moore Capito, WV Governor Jim Justice, Morgantown Mayor Bill Kawecki, military leaders like Adjutant General of the West Virginia Army National Guard, Major General James A. Hoyer, education leaders E. Gordon Gee of West Virginia University and President Mirta Martin of Fairmont State University as well as those on the frontlines of the pandemic.
The goal of the virtual ceremony was to inspire hope and unite people during a time of global social and economic disruption on a day which historically honors those on the front lines of the Global War on Terror. It included President David S. Goldberg, C.E.O of Mon Health System, the parent company of Mon Health Medical Center, prayer from Christian and Jewish religious leaders along with local musical performers like Davisson Brothers Band, American Idol contestant and country musician Cody Clayton Eagle, Morgantown Vox Principalis Choral Association, Singer songwriters Eric Lewis and Rick Martin.
History.
Gene Arden (“Buddy”) Vance Jr. was a native of the State of West Virginia, a West Virginia University alumnus, a City of Morgantown, West Virginia resident and decorated national hero who was a member of the West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group Airborne Forces. Vance was a cryptologic linguist who, despite being critically wounded, helped save the lives of two fellow Americans and 18 Afghan soldiers during the hunt for Osama Bin Laden in the War in Afghanistan (2001–14).
Founded in the City of Morgantown on May 18, 2012, ten years following Vance's fatal shooting, it was created by the Gene Vance Jr. Foundation's founder Michael M.J. Minc, Vance's brother in-law, with support from officials representing West Virginia, Morgantown, West Virginia Army National Guard, West Virginia University, business and media organizations.
Remembrances at select military installations bearing Vance's name throughout the United States are also held to coincide with the day. In 2019 the town of Oceana, West Virginia joined the City of Morgantown in declaring May 18 Gene Vance Jr. Day.
The day often coincides with U.S. Armed Forces Day and on occasion National Police Week. Annual addresses by both military and police leadership highlight the importance of community service. In the City of Morgantown, home of West Virginia University, the former chief of police Edward Preston is also a U.S. Marine and published author.
Officially designated by Congress in 1999, Military Appreciation Month takes place every year throughout the entire month of May. Every year, the president issues an annual proclamation reminding Americans to celebrate this patriotic month that pays tribute to those who have sacrificed much for freedom.
Annual participants of the Gene Vance Jr. Day.
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