November 10, 2005

Governor to Speak at Veteran’s Events in Grand Rapids and Dearborn Friday

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today encouraged residents across the state to observe Veterans Day by recognizing the servicemen and servicewomen who have honorably worn the uniforms of our Armed Services. 

Monday, Granholm presented tributes to the leaders of Michigan veteran’s service organizations to show her support for the contributions of the servicemen and servicewomen who have served our country.

 “Each Veteran’s Day is a sacred time to remember the contributions of the great patriots who have given our nation the precious gift of their service and sacrifice,” Granholm said.  “We celebrate this gift with one holiday each year, but we owe our veterans a debt of tremendous gratitude every single day.”

The Granholm Administration has undertaken numerous activities on behalf of the veterans who have given so much of themselves to protect our freedom. Granholm recently signed a law establishing a goal for the State of Michigan to purchase goods and services from businesses owned by disabled veterans.

The Governor has also signed laws establishing a military relief fund in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), prohibiting the disconnection of telephone and utility service for reserve personnel called to active duty, and extending the April 15 state income tax filing deadline for military personnel in a combat zone.

For veterans returning from combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Administration has established a Seamless Transition Team, to ensure that these men and women can find assistance with everything from employment to health care counseling. The team is a partnership among the Veterans Administration, the United Stated Department of Labor, the Veterans Benefit Administration Regional Office in Detroit, and other community service organizations.

To honor the memory of those who have fallen, Granholm issues an executive order lowering flags on buildings across the state each time a Michigan member of our armed forces is lost in combat.

 “These measures are small sacrifices for the State of Michigan when weighed against the sacrifice of our servicemen and servicewomen. We have a sacred bond with veterans in our Michigan community and a sacred duty to honor their memory,” Granholm said. “Our men and women in uniform have taught us the definition of the word hero. I encourage all citizens of the state to recognize our heroes and salute them this Veteran’s Day.”

Granholm will speak at the city of Wayland's Veteran's Day Awards Ceremony on Friday, November 11, at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will be held at Pine Street Elementary School, 201 W. Pine, Wayland. The annual event is held every year to promote awareness of veterans and the service they provide to the country.

She will also attend the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Association “Salute to Veterans” dinner at the Ford Conference and Event Center, located at 1151 Village Road, Dearborn. The event begins at 6:45 p.m.