November could soon be Military Appreciation Month in NC

North Carolina could soon recognize November as Military Appreciation Month after the state House passed a bill unanimously on Tuesday aiming to honor those in the military.

“I think this is something we can all get behind. We’re the friendliest military state in all the nation. We have Memorial Day, we have Veterans Day,” said bill sponsor Rep. Brenden Jones, R-Columbus. “But why not take the month of November just to celebrate all our heroes that serve and sacrifice for us? So I ask you for a green vote to honor all our military.”

In a 118-0 vote, House Bill 35 passed the House and is now up for consideration in the Senate. The month of recognition would take effect once the law is enacted, meaning this year could mark the state’s first observance.

Following the House vote, House Bill 35 passed the NC Senate on first reading and was referred to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate.

North Carolina is home to over 90,000 active-duty service members, about 8% of the total U.S. active-duty military force. As one of the top states for military personnel, legislators have introduced several bills that honor service members and aid North Carolina veterans.

For example, Senate Bill 128, The Heroes Homestead Act, seeks to raise the property tax homestead exclusion from $45,000 to $76,500, offering greater financial relief for veterans starting in 2026. The proposal comes as property values continue to increase, which has raised property taxes and narrowed the veteran tax benefit.

Also on Tuesday, House Bill 91 was approved unanimously to officially include Space Force as a branch of the armed services in North Carolina, allowing members to recieve benefits.

Legislators explained that Space Force was added to the five branches of the military after it was created in 2019. However, the General Assembly must ratify the addition so that service members eligible as North Carolina residents can be included.

The post November could soon be Military Appreciation Month in NC first appeared on Carolina Journal.