Take the California Heroes Month Challenge

“How will you thank a hero?

Take the challenge to become an Actioneer, this September during California Heroes Month.

As we reflect on the generations of volunteers, community workers, educators, first responders, veterans, and service members that have immensely contributed to the fabric of our communities, state, and country, let us honor their legacy not just by what we say, but also in what we do,” Daisy Tate said. “I challenge our officials, community leaders, organizations, businesses, youth, families, and individuals to pay homage and tribute to those who have dedicated their time, goodwill, and some even their lives to ensure that their work did not go in vain.

“In December 2013, Daisy brought me her idea to introduce a Senate resolution officially declaring September 2014 and every September thereafter as ‟California Heroes Month.” We introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 97 in March 2014, it received unanimous support in the legislature and passed August 7^th 2014, and now I am pleased to announce that this September and each September afterward is officially ‟California Heroes Month!” Thank you, Daisy, for the wonderful idea! I always welcome the opportunity to partner with my constituents “noted Senator Joel Anderson in his 2014 press release.

The Senator further expressed that California Heroes month is dedicated to honoring those who help others. It is a magnificent opportunity for the residents of California to educate the public on the importance of selflessly giving and recognizing those local conventional, nonconventional, and unsung heroes within each community.

This could be anyone from a teacher, firefighter, soldier, neighbor across the street, or even the young man or woman who helped their fellow citizen carry their groceries. It’s important we recognize every local hero for their efforts. These heroes and their good deeds inspire and encourage others to step up to help their neighbors in need.

During September, there are several events taking place to honor those who give back in our community. Join over 5000 football players, marching band members, cheerleaders, and their supporters at local high school football games as they honor local heroes, with designated half time activities and tribute games (check your local high school game schedules).

You can also thank a hero and enjoy free food, at VSSN’s Salute to Heroes Appreciation Night, where California Pizza Kitchen, Lucille’s Smokehouse Barbeque, Panda Express, Red Robins, and more will provide free food and beverages (while supplies last). This event will also have live music to honor our educators, first responders, veterans, and military families on September 19^th from 6:00-9:00 pm at Temecula Promenade Mall.

This event is sponsored in part by Computer Training Academy and Citi Bank. Assemblywomen Melendez will host the 67^th Assembly District Veterans Expo, and many more events are scheduled through communities all over California, check your local listings.

You too can do something exciting, inspiring and celebratory like: sending appreciation letters to local teachers wishing them a great year, host a community clean up, hug a hero in your life, if you own a business give a special discount or free item to an educator, first responder, veteran, and/or service member. Plan a community or small social event, volunteer at a local nonprofit, or within a church.

Take action and share the great things that you did in a tweet, press release, snapchat, or any social media platform you think of.

Remember every little thing counts. Take the challenge in September to be an Actioneer and thank a hero in celebration of California Heroes Month.

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