WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Defense will no longer use official resources, including man hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months, it said in guidance issued on Friday.
It said service members and civilians are allowed to attend these events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours.
The Pentagon added that installations, units and offices are encouraged to celebrate “the valor and success of military heroes” of all races, genders and backgrounds.
“Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department’s warfighting mission,” the department said.
“Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution,” it said.
The guidance came after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation for Black History Month in which he called upon public officials, educators, librarians, and “all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”
(Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Chris Reese)
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