December 22, 2006

LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today asked citizens to remember the gift of service as they gather with family and friends during the holiday season.
 
"This holiday season as you gather in warm living rooms and around bountiful tables, I encourage you to remember those in service - whether fighting in a war zone or fighting a battle against poverty, hunger, loneliness, or disease," Granholm said.
 
This year, thousands of Michigan men and women are stationed far from home as they serve in our Armed Forces overseas.  In the midst of danger, far from the warmth, laughter, and joy of the season, these soldiers, and their families, are making the ultimate sacrifice of service, Granholm said.
 
But Granholm reminded citizens that service doesn't only occur halfway around the world.  In 2006, Michigan citizens were in service to one another in communities all across the state.  More than 7,200 citizens opened their homes to abused and neglected children as foster parents, nearly 300 citizens donated organs to help others live, and more than 16,000 served as mentors through the governor's Mentor Michigan initiative.  Others were involved in volunteer programs through their place of worship or a local service organization or charity.
 
"The opportunities to serve are endless and for many Michiganders service is a way of life," Granholm said.  "I wish you and your family a safe and happy and blessed holiday season."

The governor's weekly radio address is released each Friday morning and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state through an affiliation with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.  The address will also be available on the Governor's website on Mondays as a podcast for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.

Broadcasters Note: Governor Granholm's radio address can be accessed through Sunday evening exclusively through the Members Only page of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters website. 

Publishers Note: The text of today's address is attached.

# # #