SALISBURY — President Donald Trump has designated November the second annual National Veterans and Military Families Month to “salute the brave and dedicated patriots who have worn the uniform of the United States, and … celebrate the extraordinary military families whose selfless service and sacrifice make our military the finest in the world.”

In 2017, Trump made a similar declaration, marking the first time America has celebrated veterans and military families for the entire month and not just on Veterans Day.

That tradition continues again this year with more than 300 observances at Veterans Affairs hospitals, benefits offices and cemeteries across the country. The observances will include senior leader visits to VA facilities; open houses; town-hall meetings; benefits claims clinics; volunteer recognitions; homeless veteran initiatives; suicide prevention programs; faith-based community programs; and flag-planting tributes at national cemeteries.

The Salisbury VA Health Care System will hold several programs to honor veterans and their families throughout  November:

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today: GI Jams, Building 6 Learning Center.

• 10 a.m. Wednesday: Missing Man ceremony, Building 2 lobby.

• Friday: Day of Thank You!

• 2 p.m. Saturday: Girl Scout troop visits Community Living Center.

• 9 a.m. Sunday: Veterans appreciation service, Building 19 Chapel.

• 10 a.m. Nov. 12: Veterans Day parade, Building 42, Circle Drive.

• 4-7 p.m. Nov. 29: Veteran Town Hall and Resource Fair, 615 S. Main St., Kannapolis.

Salisbury National Cemetery will have open house from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday honoring veterans and their families throughout November:

This year’s celebration of Veterans and Military Families Month caps a period of improvement for VA, as the department has made progress in the areas of accountability, transparency and efficiency along with a series of legislative successes.

“At VA, veterans and their families are at the center of everything we do,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Veterans and Military Families Month is an opportunity for us to honor the service of these patriots while educating communities about VA benefits and services and our commitment to customer service improvement.”

The full list of national observances of Veterans and Military Families Month is at this link.