As the country's First Sanctuary Community For Soldiers, Fayetteville and Cumberland County are dedicating the entire month of May to honor soldiers, vets and their families who have put it all on the line to defend the country.

During a reception to open the "United We Stand" art exhibition Friday, April 24, Mayor Anthony Chavonne revealeld plans for "31 Days of Glory," a new series of events for anyone who wants to experience the area's military heritage and honor personnel in the services -- past and present.

Through the efforts of over 10 community organizations, activities are planned for every single day of the month. Venues around the county will host events, ranging from Chester Biggs discussing his years in China as a POW to family-friendly hands-on activities like creating "Blue Star Banners" for wartime military families to

re-enactments of different time periods and demonstrations using Civil War ammunition.

A number of concerts, author readings, parades and art exhibits will also be staged throughout the area.

"While everyone else celebrates Memorial Day, we devote an entire month to thank the military, vets and their families," says Chavonne.

"We invite the world to do what we do every day -- show our enthusiastic appreciation, respect and support for those who have and are putting it all on the line for us."

Intended to be an annual event, "31 Days of Glory" is the result of the collective vision of the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, USO North Carolina, Fascinate-U Children's Museum, Museum of the Cape Fear, Fayetteville Downtown Alliance, Fayetteville Symphony, Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center, Fayetteville Museum of Art, Airborne and Special Operations Museum, Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial, The Arts Council, Fort Bragg MWR, Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, Cape Fear Botanical Gardens and J.E.B. Stuart Chapter 483.

For all events, dates and times visit 31daysofglory.com.