Gov. Tim Walz on Nov. 1 declared November as Military Family Month to salute and celebrate the military families whose selfless service and sacrifice make the U.S. military the finest in the world, according to a press release.

Nearly 1,000 Minnesota National Guard soldiers and airmen are deployed this month. Service men and women rely on their families for strength and support during deployment, the release stated.

People are encouraged to reach out to a neighbor, church member, co-worker or an acquaintance whose family member is deployed. Connect with the Yellow Ribbon network within your community or company. There are more than 300 networks in place statewide.

If you’re not connected to a military family, visit Beyond the Yellow Ribbon online.

Military family month was first celebrated in 1993. The following year, President Bill Clinton issued a presidential proclamation establishing National Military Families Recognition Day. Subsequent presidents and governors have issued proclamations designating November as Military Family Month.