Gene Vance Jr. Day is a commemorative Military Appreciation Day named for Gene Arden Vance Jr. and recognized annually during May in the United States by the State of West Virginia.[1][2] Occurring during Military Appreciation Month and U.S. Armed Forces Week, it honors the legacy of American soldiers who returned home from the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Iraq War (2003–11), together the longest ongoing wars in U.S. history, remembers and mourns the fallen and supports the wounded. Official observances are proclaimed annually on May 18 in the City of Morgantown, West Virginia in a citywide ceremony that includes official proclamations,[3][4] state and local governmental and military leadership addresses and greetings, wreath laying memorializing the names of fallen soldiers from West Virginia, guest speakers and participation from national organizations, musical performances and events to raise awareness for those wounded in the conflict. The day is organized annually by the Gene Vance Jr. Foundation, the West Virginia Army National Guard, City of Morgantown and State of West Virginia.[5][6]
Framing the Gene Vance Jr. Day are two other U.S. military appreciation days that occur nationally in May, Armed Forces Day, which honors those currently serving followed by Memorial Day, a public holiday honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The Gene Vance Jr. Day is distinct from other U.S. military appreciation days in that it is named for an American military hero[7] and specifically honors American service members and their allies who served and were wounded after the September 11 terrorist attacks as well as those who perished in the conflict.