The Official Guide to Securing a Proclamation for National Invest In Veterans Week® 2026

Dates: March 1–7, 2026 Mission: Empowering Communities, Honoring Service, Driving Economies.

Why Your Voice Matters

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is more than a calendar event—it is a global movement celebrating the resilience and economic impact of veteran entrepreneurs.

By securing a proclamation or a Congressional Record entry, you aren't just signing a paper; you are validating the sacrifice and success of veterans in your community. You are mobilizing local support, influencing legislation, and permanently etching the stories of veteran business owners into history.

🏛️ Part 1: How to Secure a Proclamation

For Citizens, Business Owners, and Advocates

A proclamation is an official designation issued by a Mayor, Governor, or City Council. It declares a specific time frame (March 1-7) to honor a specific cause. Here is how to get it done.

Option A: The Fast Track (Executive Proclamations)

Best for: Mayors and Governors who can issue declarations without a vote.

1. Do Your Reconnaissance: Call your Mayor’s or Governor’s office today. Ask for the "Proclamation Coordinator." Ask about their specific submission deadlines—these processes can take 30 to 60 days, so start early!

2. Find Your Champion: Identify a connection. Do you know a staffer, a council member, or a veteran-friendly official? Use that connection to fast-track your request.

3. Provide the "Why": Don't just ask; prove the value. Submit your request with data on local veteran businesses and examples of past NIVW proclamations (e.g., South Carolina’s historic recognition).

4. Rally the Troops: There is strength in numbers. Ask local veteran organizations, chambers of commerce, and friends to send emails supporting the proclamation.

5. Follow Up: Be the squeaky wheel. Check in weekly to ensure the request hasn't been buried in paperwork.

Option B: The Legislative Route (Resolutions)

Best for: Cities and States that require a Council or Assembly vote.

1. Start Immediately: Legislative resolutions require drafting, committee reviews, and voting. This takes time.

2. Secure a Sponsor: You need a legislator to introduce the resolution. Find a Senator, Representative, or Council Member with a track record of supporting veterans.

3. Prepare for Battle (The Good Kind): Equip your sponsor with success stories. Be ready to bring local veteran business owners to testify at hearings about how their businesses boost the local economy.

4. Show Constituent Power: Legislators listen to voters. Organize a letter-writing campaign to show that the community demands this recognition.

🚀 Pro-Tips for Success

How to ensure your request gets approved.

• Leverage Social Proof: Remind officials that NIVW is already recognized by Congress and celebrated in 40 markets globally. No politician wants to be left behind on a global movement.

• Create Urgency: Emphasize that this is for 2026—a milestone year. Framing it as a time-sensitive opportunity makes them act faster.

• Localize It: Don't just talk about national veterans; talk about local heroes. Mention specific veteran-owned businesses in your town that contribute to the tax base and culture.

⚖️ Part 2: Action Plan for Legislators

Entering Veteran Entrepreneurs into the Congressional Record

To our Elected Officials: You hold the power to create a permanent legacy. By entering a veteran entrepreneur’s name into the Congressional Record during National Invest In Veterans Week®, you solidify your reputation as a champion for those who served.

Why take this action?

1. Legacy: Cement your name in history alongside the veterans you honor.

2. Validation: Join the growing list of states and countries validating the economic power of veterans.

3. Patriotic Duty: Move beyond "thank you for your service" to tangible recognition of their economic contributions.

Steps to Enter the Record

1. Draft the Language: Use the templates below to create a resolution or remarks.

2. Partner with NIVW: Contact National Invest In Veterans Week® organizers for data points and support.

3. Make News: Don't do it quietly. Host a press conference with the veteran entrepreneur you are honoring. This is a win for the veteran and a win for your office.

📜 Swipe-Copy: Templates for Recognition

Copy, paste, and customize these templates for your official submission.

1. General Recognition Template

"Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the extraordinary contributions of veteran entrepreneurs as part of National Invest In Veterans Week®. These individuals have not only served our country with honor but continue to drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen our economy. As we observe this week (March 1–7, 2026), I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating the resilience, dedication, and success of these outstanding veterans."

2. Specific Entrepreneur Recognition Template

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional contributions of [Veteran Entrepreneur’s Name], a distinguished member of our community whose work exemplifies the spirit of National Invest In Veterans Week®.

Having served our country with unwavering dedication, [Name] carried values of integrity and leadership into the business world. As the founder of [Business Name], they have built a thriving enterprise that employs [Number] individuals and drives economic growth in our district.

Their commitment to innovation and giving back to fellow veterans embodies the essence of this week’s celebration. Let us ensure that their contributions are forever etched in the history of this great nation."

Ready to Make History?

Don't wait until March. The groundwork for a successful National Invest In Veterans Week® 2026 starts today.