Veterans' Day .(MP3- 3MB)

Governor Granholm Encourages Citizens to Honor Michigan's Service Men and Women, Past and Present Granholm Joins Great Lakes Governors in Calling on Candidates to Protect the Great Lakes Governor Granholm Celebrates Grand Opening of Henry Ford Early College High School

Last weekend, we took a moment to recognize and thank our brave Michigan service men and women, past and present. Serving in the armed forces is perhaps the highest calling on behalf of our nation. From the Civil War to the World Wars and conflicts of the 20th century, countless Michigan citizens have answered that call to duty. And today, thousands of Michigan soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coast guardsmen are answering that call in service to all of us.

This year alone, our Michigan National Guard has fought a massive forest fire in the Upper Peninsula, provided base and convoy security with the Iraqi Military Police, contributed medical support in Iraq and administrative support in Kuwait. They’ve trained the Afghani army in everything from military tactics to establishing a successful government, and our Guard has helped secure the U.S./Mexican border in Arizona and New Mexico.

The challenges they face are enormous, but their exceptional performance certainly makes us and their predecessors proud. Just last month, one brave Michigan soldier – Sgt. Philip LaBonte – was presented with a Purple Heart during a Detroit Lions game. Sgt. LaBonte was leading a patrol of the 46th MP Company in Baghdad when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. He lost both legs and an eye, but he said his only thought as he was being moved for treatment was, “Thank God this is not one of my buddies.”

Sgt. LaBonte’s bravery and commitment to his fellow soldiers reflect his love of country and the shared purpose and compassion, which is the best of what our country stands for. That makes the United States a beacon to people around the world, and it’s why our brave service men and women and veterans are a saving grace to their fellow citizens.

To date, 159 Michigan men and women in uniform have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, and many, many more have been wounded in combat. But I can tell you that the soldiers I met in Iraq two years ago, and the soldiers I have talked to at deployment and homecoming ceremonies have been truly brave in the face of death and in the face of injury. By far, their biggest worries are about leaving their families and their loved ones behind while they serve.

Again, I want to thank the members of our military, and their families, for their sacrifices and for their commitment to Michigan and to the United States of America. They will always be in our hearts and in our prayers.