COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County commissioners issued a proclamation Tuesday recognizing the hidden heroes who provide care to veterans.

The county collaborated on the proclamation with the Daughters of the American Revolution of Idaho, part of a national women’s service organization whose members are directly descended from patriots of the American Revolution.

“The series of wars and conflicts in which our nation has been engaged over time, since World War II, have brought 5.5 million military and former caregivers who are parents, spouses, brothers and sisters and friends, to care for the wounded, sick or injured. have served our nation,” the proclamation states.

Daily tasks for these caregivers may include bathing, feeding and dressing, administering medications and caring for wounds, providing emotional support, and working outside the home to earn essential income.

“The nation provides multifaceted support to our wounded, ill, and injured veterans and service members through public, private, and philanthropic resources, but their caregivers receive little support for recognition,” the proclamation states. “Most military and veteran caregivers view the demanding work they perform as simply an exercise of their civic and patriotic duty. »

Since February, the Idaho State Society’s Daughters of the American Revolution have campaigned in cities and counties across the state to raise awareness of the challenges facing military caregivers.

Statewide, more than 50 proclamations have been issued so far. The towns of Hauser and Rathdrum issued similar proclamations this year.

In making this proclamation, Kootenai County “seeks to commend military and veteran caregivers residing in our communities” and “encourages all who care for and support veterans and military personnel to extend that support to their caregivers.”