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ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today visited the Eastern Shore to commemorate Veterans Day and to participate in ceremonies honoring veterans for their service, including an historic posthumous commission of Harriet Tubman as Brigadier General of the Maryland National Guard. The governor’s visit reinforces the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to supporting veterans and military families and to strengthening community for those who have served our country.
“In the military, I learned the creed that all of us who have worn the uniform of this country live by: To leave no one behind. In combat, it doesn’t matter where you’re from; it doesn’t matter how you identify; it doesn’t matter what political party you represent. Success and survival depend on the person to your right and to your left-and there is only one path forward, together,” said Gov. Moore. “In your service and your sacrifice, you show that progress doesn’t just happen, progress is made to happen. Thank you for being the best of us. Maryland stands with you, today and every day.”
?This morning, Governor Moore joined American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge for their Veterans Day breakfast alongside Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods; Maryland Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Andrew Collins; Congressman Andy Harris; American Legion Department of Maryland Commander David Heredia; American Legion Post 91 Commander Richard Colburn and local officials. During the program, the governor presented three $10,000 Maryland Veterans Trust Fund grants, which will help support projects that enhance social connectedness and strengthen ties to local communities for veterans and military families on the Eastern Shore.
“We owe our deepest gratitude to those who have served and their families,” said Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods. “Utilizing the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund to invest in organizations like the American Legion affirms our appreciation and shared dedication to this community.”
“Having Governor Moore and Secretary Woods join us at Post 91 on Veterans Day is a profound honor,” said American Legion Department of Maryland Commander David Heredia. “The donations announced during today’s ceremony represent an investment in programs that promote veteran wellness and strengthen community reintegration efforts. These initiatives align with our shared mission to ensure veterans and their families receive the resources and respect they deserve.”
Following the ceremony in Cambridge, Governor Moore joined Maryland National Guard Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, and Del. Edith Patterson for a commissioning and recognition ceremony at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center. Along with members of the Maryland National Guard, the governor and Maj. Gen. Birckhead posthumously commissioned Harriet Tubman to the rank of Brigadier General for her military service to both the United States and Maryland.
“Harriet Tubman lived the values and virtues that I was taught when I served in the United States Army, and many of the people here today learned too: Live mission first, people always. Lead with honor, integrity, duty, and courage. Leave no one behind,” said Gov. Moore. “And with each act of courage, Harriet Tubman helped bring us together as a nation and a people. She fought for a kind of unity that can only be earned through danger, risk, and sacrifice. And it is a unity we still benefit from to this day.”
Ernestine “Tina” Martin Wyatt, the great-great-great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman, represented Tubman’s family and received the commissioning proclamation on her behalf.
A number of Harriet Tubman’s descendants took part in the commissioning ceremony, attended by military, community, and local leaders. The Maryland Army National Guard’s 229th Army Band performed ceremonial music and the Maryland Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Squadron provided a flyover.
“Harriet Tubman’s military service was defined by her bravery, wit, and dedication to doing what is right and it truly stands as an example for all veterans to emulate,” said Maryland Adjutant General Janeen L. Birckhead. “I am so proud that her legacy will officially be tied to the Maryland National Guard, as she was born here, lived here, and served here just like our soldiers and airmen.”
Closing the day, Governor Moore joined Maj. Gen. Birckhead, Secretary Woods, and veterans for a behavioral health roundtable discussion at the Maryland Army National Guard’s Easton Readiness Armory. The group reflected on their own military service and challenges experienced by some veterans following transition to civilian life. Together, they also discussed how to raise awareness about and how to strengthen behavioral health resources for veterans and military families.